Return to work

Because I have had chemo first and then the operation (then radium possibly) I wonder if this is different. Chemo has been OK because I am on leave and have rested when I need to etc . I do need to get myself more active now because I am out of condition. If I have radiation, it will be after the op and depending on the number of weeks required, I should still be on holidays as well. It is recovery from the mastecomy and dealing with the pain and discomfort afterwards once I am back to work is probably my biggest concern. How much residual discomfort is there - again this is probably one of those questions about how long is a piece of string.  Operation December 6 and i would expect to go back to school on January 29 but on a significantly reduced teaching load with time to rest between lessons.  Mentally I need to work, (financially not really an issue), I have never been away from work for such a long time and I feel that if I take another term off I will not be able or want to go back (I am 64) because I will be too detached from everyone.