Thanks for the reality check! I think I was so dazzled by the job listing that I couldn't see clearly. (Dazzled in part bc my age -- 61 -- which is an obstacle to many employers wouldn't be to this one. Sorry if I'm repeating myself -- brain fog.)

Your suggestion is very good. I'm thinking about writing to the person who oversees the relevant dept. and saying, more or less, "I'm not applying for the job even though I love your company and I'm really qualified, bc I have health issues that won't be resolved for at least a few months; if you ever use freelancers, I'd really like to be considered."

I'm a little leery about using the C-word -- for one thing, a small co. might think, "I don't want to hire someone who's at risk of having a relapse -- that would cost us a fortune, insurance-wise." Or "I don't want to invest in hiring someone who might not be around in a few years." But I'll think about it. I agree that honesty is theoretically always the best policy; I don't want to lie about my health problems, but I also think (after binge-reading the Ask A Manager website) that it's OK to not disclose them ***if*** I have a good prognosis after surgery. (If I knew that I were likely to have only two years, for ex., either I'd disclose it at the interview or I'd not apply.)

Thanks again, and I hope you're doing well.