Why not contact your state and get their opinion. This way you will at least have an idea of what to expect if you apply? Let them know everything so the advice pertains to you and not others. Just a thought david.

I'm from UK so can't comment on your insurance issues but I thought I would share my own reaction when the consultant told me back in April that I should plan to be off work for 6 months. I had a partial glossectomey + flap from arm and a left side neck dissection followed by 4 weeks radio.
I simply didnt believe it would take that long and told everyone I would do some work from home I work with computers) long before that time. As it turned out I did virtually nothing for 5 months and now I am working about 80% of full time and feeling quite tired at the end of a day.
So please don't underestimate the energy you need to heal and the tiredness. I tried to do some work a few times but found I could not concentrate properly and in the end decided to concentrate on getting better. I walked every day gradually increasing the length of the walk and bought myself a new bike and started cycling. I'm upto 30kms on a ride now and I am sure getting physical exercise has help me to feel positive as well as healthier.