Should they fire nanny who has cancer?

DEAR ABBY: Our nanny, who is 58, was diagnosed with breast cancer just before I delivered baby No. 2. The boys are now 15 months and 4 weeks old.

"Nora" has started chemotherapy after having surgery. She wanted to continue working without it being an issue. Nora has had to take off several days already in addition to being - as I expected - tired and unable to keep up with my active toddler.

I start back to work soon and my job is a demanding one. My husband and I have discussed options and feel it would be best to mandate that Nora take this time off. We will have to make other arrangements for child care, and I can't guarantee Nora's job when she feels better.

She has taken such good care of our first son, it kills me to have to let her go, especially while she's dealing with cancer. But I must return to work and do what's beat for my kids. Any advice?

- Mommy of Two in South Carolina

DEAR MOMMY: Have a meeting with Nora and explain your concerns. Ask if she knows someone reliable who could watch the children on those days when she is too weak to do so. Or contact a household staffing agency about getting a temporary fill-in. It would be far more humane than firing her.

DEAR ABBY: How do I keep a co-worker from borrowing money from me? She asked me yesterday if I would lend her money for cigarettes, and I told her I didn't have any cash on me. When I went on break to buy lunch with my ATM card, Anita came waltzing over and immediately told the cashier to ring up the cigarettes on my ATM card! I needed the money for my own use, and now I must wait until next week for her to pay me back.

- Buck Stops Here in Mass.

DEAR BUCK: Tell Anita that what she did was rude and you didn't like it. Inform the cashier that what Anita did was not OK with you, and to never do it again. Don't be afraid of hurting Anita's feelings because she has a hide of steel.