Lack of enthusiasm for work

Hi ToriButtons a cancer diagnosis and subsequent journey throws up many unforeseen challenges.

I was diagnosed way back in 1999 at 44 with my first type of rare (8 in a million) incurable Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma….. as my condition progressed quickly the then median survival was set at 3-5 years was on the small amount of information I was given.

I actually continued to work in a demanding teaching job (further education) on a full time table that was fitted around my treatments.

I actually worked for 12 years….  way past the survival time but the developments in treatment ment that the survival rate had become ever so unknown.

My condition was effecting my work and the passion I had for the job had diminished…… so I jumped ship at 55…… we actually could not afford fir me to do this but a close review and tightening of the belt made it possible.

I went back to my trade and did some odd jobs but in late 2013 a second rare, but aggressive type of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma appeared triggering 2 years intensive treatment but I am still here, I turn 70 next month and I continue to live a great life.

At times, living the post cancer journey is like living in a parallel universe - you can see your old life but regardless what you do you can not get back on that same path.

Following my many years of treatment and now 10+ years into my post treatment life, a situation I was unwillingly put into. It did actually make me review life and everything that we once thought important.

So as a family some things from our old life are still in our lives but various aspects of our old life that were once seen as important were put in the bin and we don’t miss them.

((hugs))