Post Op Surgeon Consult

Hi Joy. This year I've been on a bit of a holding pattern. I thought I could work through chemo and only take the odd days off and keep a sense of normality in my life. But chemo hit me a lot harder than I thought and I had to take the whole year off work. This was initially quite a blow but I learned to use my 'time' doing things that I would normally not have time for. I've done a water colour course, taken up ribbon embroidery again, tried to play my guitar but that prooved too difficult because of the neuropathy in my fingers so I've put that on hold. I haven't touched my guitar in quite a while but at least it was out of its case. I've read a lot of books that have been sitting on the bookshelf in hope that I would pick them up, caught up with some old friends I haven't been in contact with in recent years and planned my house renovations which should have been happening this year but we will do this next year. For many years, I have been so busy and stressed at work that I didn't seem to have any time for me and I have come to realise and understand that I don't want to go back to work full time anymore. I want to keep on doing things for me and not just collapse in a heap when I get home from my job. Life's too precious to waste working. Part time would be my choice now if my supervisor agrees. Well I'll just have to wait and see what happens next year. I learned to adjust and do the things I could and not stress about the things I couldn't. You're going through a major, dare I say 'event' in your life. Don't worry if your life isn't quite the same as before. I knew I would count this year out as far as 'normal' goes but I'm kind of pleased too that I've had a chance to re-evaluate things and put them in perspective. 2013, even though it has been a year to try and forget, I'm surprised how it has flown by. If you find you need to take a year 'out' it's not the end of the world. Concentrate on getting well. You'll get the 'Joy' back in Joy :) Love Janey xxx