CTU president plans return to work following illness

CHICAGO (AP) - The president of the Chicago Teachers Union says she is returning to work next week and is doing well after a serious illness.

Karen Lewis, who once was a potential challenger to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, said Thursday she's "a little tired" and "cancer treatment is no fun." She underwent surgery in October, but hasn't disclosed many details about her condition. She's been out of the public eye since.

Lewis appeared Thursday at the union's annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. clergy breakfast. She says she has good days and bad days.

Before her illness, she had been circulating petitions and raising her profile at parades and political events. She also frequently criticized Emanuel and his policies. She since has endorsed Jesus "Chuy" Garcia for mayor.