Since my last post I have:
- Had several CEA tests, all fine
- Had another full scan and annual checkup - all fine, no sign of cancer
- Left paid employment, now effectively retired
I am now definitely not living with cancer, "only" with the after effects of my treatment.
- Looking back at the past 3 years, this is what it looks like:
- First year after diagnosis, living with the understanding that the cancer would most likely return and would be terminal. Hard to get that out of my brain, also recovering from the chemo and surgery
- Second year, understanding that the cancer would probably return, and learning to live with some quite significant contraints
- Third year after, oncologist agrees that I have been very fortunate and cancer may not return. Learning to live as much as I reasonable can and staying comfortable
Leaving the stress and commitment of work has been great for me, however if the oncologist had not told me to get our affairs in order 3 years ago, I would not have been able to retire early, there has been some positive outcomes from this journey,
