Dear friends, I encourage all of you to read a book called " Maverick " or " Seven Day Weekend " by Semler ,, chairman of SEMCO a latin american compnay. Anyway coming back to this problem. Three issues YOU are a small company WORK pressure does not allow employee absentism A person is good in work but requires treatment Do not add further wound to her pain she is suffering if that is really true. Ask her if it is okay for talking to her doctor and ascertain how long she requires leave. GIVE HER THAT BENEFIT OF LEAVE and employ some one from college or anywhere on temp basis say 2/3 months. If business grows retain both. When your employee comes fully recharged after her treatment she will be one of your best employee. While she is going thro the treatment let her proudly say what a company she is working for and this alone will bring so much good will and many to work for you. This is the human side and business side mix. YOU WILL always get some one who is interested working part-time and ask your existing employee if she can come inbetseen for few hours and take responsiblity to train. This is a win win situation for all.