It isn't fair and yes I agree I was better off working too, but it was impossible and I had 2 teenage kids as well oh boy!! but for me it was the best thing I could have done, I was 43 at 1st diagnosis and 47 at the 2nd. It was so damn hard and I churned up most of my settlement money which was and is still cruel.
I had 3 months off with my mastectomy/diep flap recon only as my job was too physically demanding and my Surgeon didnt want me getting hurt. its doable in 8 depending.
I do think they would start the waiting period again once you stopped working, so really is up to you, but make sure you put you first as thats all that matters I found through it all.
x