well i just found out i have a very fast growing cancer-if it has not spread then i do 3 rounds of chemo-surgery-chemo again this will knock me out till the end of the year,-we are a small studio and i already have had some of my teachers fill in for me and the parents were not happy, they are early 20"s and there is no control so the parents say this is mostley for the little ones, -i teach all the babies myself and the parents love the way I control the classes, (i just use the "mommy" look)--my recital is in may-not sure how to go about getting a teacher in here so fast-sorry not to bring anyone down-and if this has spread then my understanding it takes you fast this really sucks!! if anyone has been through anything like this i would like to know how to tell the parents -i am going to let them tell their children in their own way,-

Cancer treatment is different to all. I've known women who really couldn't do a thing anymore, and I've know women who kept running their business.
And I've heard different advice about how to handle being tired from chemo. In Holland the advice is to ignore it. In Belgium you can take as much rest as you want. I say: listen to your body! That tells you what you can do and what not.

Could you cancel the recital? Maybe just do some demonstrations? It will take away a lot of stress for you and that is better for your recovery. If parents are angry about that, it says a lot about them (lack of interest in you as a human being) and pleeeeaaaaase let them leave your studio. You don't need them.

Maybe put a message on Craiglist or here where you ask for a teacher to help you for a year or so. Yes, so long, because even when treatment is over, you need time to get back in your rhythm. And having help around is a huuuge benefit in these circumstances.

I wish you all the strenght you need in these hard times. Think of yourself first, because that is what parents do too (think about themselves).

thank you--words of incourgement means a lot--

If your baby moms are wanting to see someone older in with their kids (which seems like what they're wanting, if they're upset with the 20 year olds) could you poll the moms of your older kids, find out how many of them have dance experience, and might be willing to do a class or two a week, maybe in exchange for a reduction on their kids tuition (or on their own, if they dance with you too?)

And in the mean time, type very, very explicit notes on where you want each class going. I teach babies, and the first time you step into that baby class, with no plan, is utterly terrifying. Get very, very explicit notes and play lists put together for as many classes as you possibly can.

Heck, type very, very explicit notes on everything. If you've got notes that you've taken for your classes, type up copies of those, in easy to understand terms. We all use our own shorthand when we take notes, type them in a way that there's no question what you mean.

And you don't know - you may feel up to working anyway. My father in law just finished his second round of chemo for leukemia, and was out three days later at a bird watching event. But, it's always better to prepare for the worst and not have it come to pass, than the reverse, right?

I had stage 3, very progressive cancer, too, and 6 months of chemo. I worked though it with an assistant. I am not sure if that will work for you, but if you can get an older assistant or parent with training, who can assist, if you are not feeling well enough, they can take over.

I am sorry that you are going through this, please think of YOU first. All the rest is just stuff.

thank you all for your support---i would love to hear more stories this is really helping me

My husband has cancer. You wouldnt know looking at him. Do get a back up person to help you through because you will have your days that you dont want to/cant teach...but you'll also have your Im fine days.



will continue to send positive thoughts and prayers your way!

I have to say that work was my therapy to get through it. Not only was I working, but packing up, selling my home, and moving to a temporary home in another state while building a new home. People could not understand how I could do that, and raise two kids, and have my husband in another state, more than half of the time, but stuff just kept me going. If I stayed home, I would have gone stark, raving mad.

I think that once you explain your health battle with the parents, they will be totally supportive of you. Make some great lesson plans that spell out what you want done in each class and let someone else teach it. 20 year old do lots of teaching at a lot of schools. If you are feel well enough you can sit in class and direct the class but the 20 year old teachers can do the actual dancing. Most of you, you should think of YOU! You are going to need all your strength to fight this battle. You do not need to be stressed!!! If it is too much for you, then you must do what is best for you!!! I am praying for your complete recovery!

thank you

thank you, i will find out on monday if it has spread or not, it is a very rare (figures) cancer. it is called high grade sarcoma cancer

I just wanted to say that I pray for your speedy recovery.

thank you so much

Sorry you are going through this. Keep positive and show that cancer that it doesn't have a fighting chance against you!

Look for teachers on craigslist, local dance colleges, post and look on here for job postings. Are there other studios in your area? Call them and explain to the owner what you are going though and see if they have a teacher or two to cover some classes. I say explain to them what you going though, just because I wouldn't recommend one of my existing teachers to a direct competitor, however if I knew WHY they needed this, I would.

yes, thank you I do have a studio in mind---this is really helping me alot.

No advice, but definitely sending prayers your way! Take care of yourself first and the rest will fall into place!

I'm so sorry you are facing this medical challenge. I have a family full of medical situations and I know how hard to can be to keep the rest of your life going while dealing with health stuff.

PM me anytime if you have any questions or anything medical that may be too private to put out on a public board.

The most important issue now has to be getting you treatments started and be able to tell how much you'll be able to do for your recital. After medical stuff and side effects develop a routine, you'll know what kind of teachers you need to hire and how you need to delicate tasks to just get it done. You might also consider that you might not feel up to a recital at all. If you feel like crap, no one would blame you if you postponed or cancelled the recital.

I hope you get well soon. xoxo

Keep On Dancing*

thank you so much , this does help

Hello, i am new here but I couldn't just read & run without saying that you are already demonstrating so much courage and clear thinking! It is impressive how you are looking for ways to make this challenge in YOUR life easier on others. It's clear how much the feelings of the parents and the smooth continuation for your students' instruction mean to you.

There is only one suggestion I would offer to you: allow your friends, family and associates to help you through this. We women are notorious for wanting to not burden others because we are so used to being the 'go-to' person. Hear me when I say that if ever there were a time to cut yourself slack, this is it!! You must make yourself and your health a priority. Part of that means accepting the goodwill and generosity of others with grace. Hard to do I know, but if nothing else, it allows the giver to feel less powerless to help you and you benefit as well. Giving and taking make for a healing synergy and those good feelings multiply!

Sending you healing hugs!

I am so sorry you are going through this! Just know that you are stronger than this horrible disease and you will get through it!

Your courage is inspiring!

Definitely find someone but don't give them everything - your business may help you get through this more than you think.

thank you so much--this does help me alot---

I am sorry for butting in, as I am not a SO, but I do want to offer my support and e-hugs! If you are willing to say, where are you located? I know that if I heard that you were local to me, I would want to see if I could help. Maybe that’s true for the right person here.

thank you for your support located in maryland

Just popping in to give you an encouraging hug...

jrdance1 wrote:

thank you for your support located in maryland

Unfortunately, not my backyard, but maybe for someone else. I will brain storm; maybe I know someone in the area.