Cancer and returning to work

I am so thankful for my employer. I was diagnosed with cancer in May, surgery in June followed by 6 months of chemo. I had a rare reaction to the chemo and spent another year being treated for kidney problems. I went on short term disability during the cancer/chemo treatments. When short term disability ran out, the owner of the business I worked for put me back on full salary even though I was making weekly trips to Mayo for treatment and missing a lot of work. My fellow employees also gave my wife and I a very substantial financial gift to help meet our expenses. I finally told my boss I was going to go back on short term disability while I tried to gain enough strength to come back to work. When short term disability ran out, I was still unable to work full time so I ended up taking long term disability. It is great to have an employer and fellow employees who care so much and give so much financial and emotional support when going through trying times!

In thinking back 20 years ago, today i tried to remember what I went through. Though I am not a religious person I am a very Spiritual Person.
I remember asking a higher power for help and Guidance! It was truly Amazing and Spiritual! A freind, who was also a customer, owned a very Wonderful Spa in Northern New Mexico called Ojo Calente. He heard from a mutual friend what I had just been through with the cancer but also my near death from the chemo! He called me and told me to come up for a stay. It took me four hours to drive 120 miles because of my weakness. At the time I had a motor home I used for both business and pleasure.
When I arrived he had his staff set up my motorhome for me. Then he told me to stay as long as I wanted. He said I had complete run of the Spa and all of the ammenities. I could have as much body work as I needed. I remember the Salt Rub that got rid of all my dead skin and hospital germs. And the Wonderful Healing Body Work does for our Being!
Going in all of his mineral baths for different types of healing!
I was also led down a path that said I had fished all my Life! I traveled the Rocky Mtn. where there are with some of the world best fyl fishing. I had always been to much of a hurry to stop and take advantage of it. I was led to some Angels who helped me relearn many things. That year while working & traveling I was on a river all or part of a day 150 times.
That year being business wise was on of the Best I have ever had! The most Mystical things about it was I was cured of Stage IV colon cancer!
I still run into the doctor who treated me then and he still has no idea why I am not dead.
My point to all of this is there is something out there but also within us that if we ask, the answer and direction will come to help! You just have to ask, be patient knowing it will come to lead you in a healing direction if that is what we want.
Papers and books are written all the time of the power of not only Spirits we cannot see but also the Spirit within us that has the ability to heal us if we want!
Blessing to all!
Sundance(RB)

If my attempt to keep my new job proves unsuccessful then I will need to find work elsewhere. I wouldn’t be fired right away it would take time. Reports of inadequate work performance would be made. Meetings would be held etc. Same as cancer it doesn’t often kill right away it tears you down first. Yes you fight at first and yes sometimes you win but not always. Of course no one wants to be an inadequate employee. I have always done my best and will continue to do so. That “will” to fight and keep going is strong. Even when you feel weak and defeated you ask yourself, “ is this it?” “Will I let this take me down?” You go on to fight another battle and the war goes on. I saw this first hand in a friend who died from breast cancer this past June. I remember the very first day 5 years ago when she shared with me that she had cancer. She lived in another city but we kept in touch. She won many battles but the war is over for her. She fought fiercely to the end and managed to remain dignified. These are uncertain times. The future is unclear. But you must continue and live. You must fight. There must be balance in life. Not so easy to achieve but it is worth striving for everyday. Find the balance you need. Life is precious and it must be lived to It’s fullest. Thank you Susan for being a great friend. I will never forget you and I will always keep you close to my heart.

Thank you for asking about me regarding my job. I spoke to my boss and just explained why my job performance was not up to par. The last 2 weeks in June and all of July not only did I start a new job but I had 4 doctor consultations, 2 CT scans, a nuclear med exam, cardiac work up, numerous blood draws and 2 biopsies. I went to 2 funerals, 2 friends died from cancer, breast and ovarian. I was still recovering from my nephrectomy. I was having trouble eating and sleeping. My sole kidney was adjusting to doing double duty. I felt tired all the time. My boss listened and she will keep me on. She is a better boss that others I have had. So, I still have a job. I actually feel better. I am sleeping better eating better and the shock of having a cancer diagnosis is less traumatic. I am taking each day at a time. That is all a can do. I feel less panicked about the cancer because right now I am cancer free. In October I will have more scans and blood work. I am NOT taking the Sutent as my oncologist wanted. I will do what I feel is best for me and I will be getting a third opinion. I have learned that being in control helps me emotionally. I function better when I feel more informed and I am directing my care. I want to be driving the bus in regard to my health care.

Thank you asking about me. I did speak with my boss and told you about my health issues, lack of sleep etc. I was under a great deal of stress. She listened to me and I am still there working. I am sleeping better so my work performance has improved. I can focus on my job. The cancer diagnosis was a big shock for me but I am learning to deal with it. I am grateful for everyone who gave me advise it helped!

I am doing great. I have watched a lot of tv and documentaries! I had surgery 3 weeks ago. I have a lot of support.