Back to Work

On October 24, 2008, I said goodbye to my classes and co-workers and embarked on this journey--cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC),or as it is more fondly known mother-of-all-surgeries. A lot of the past few months is a blur. Fortunately, I have made good progress. On Tuesday, February 17, 2009, I will return to work full time. I think I'm ready, but I'm still nervous about it... will I have the stamina? I guess I won't know that until Tuesday. I am excited about seeing my students and co-workers again and will definitely do a posting to let every one know how it goes.

Also, some good news: I got my first tumor marker report since the surgery and the numbers are well with-in normal range. I'm still waiting to hear about the CT-scan. This is the nerve-racking part, as anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer can attest. I think the important thing is to keep a positive outlook and live every day to the fullest. I certainly am not perfect and find myself slipping sometimes, but when I remind myself that many folks have it a lot worse than I do, it is easy to "pick myself up" and get back on track.

I am certainly going to miss my best-bud when I go back to work next week. Mike and I have been together almost non-stop since surgery and I think we'll both have withdrawal symptoms!

I must go. I have to fix a few more "good" dinners. These will be in short supply when the work schedule kicks in.