Just wondering how Jenni was getting on with her new job. Exhausting time any new job for amonth or two before you get used to things let alone after radiation.

Pauline,

Thanks for thinking of me. I'm really enjoying my new job, and my new employers have taken me on on a phased return to work program. I started out doing 5 hours a day for a month, then built up to 6 hours a day. At the end of this month I'll go up to 7.5 hours a day. I haven't found it too exhausting, although there have been a few days when I have come home and fallen asleep on the settee, and not just for a catnap, as most people do, but for a good three to four hours sleep.

I am coping well, and have aso joined a gym with a big swimming pool, so that I can swim three or four times a week to excercise my shoulder, where I have damage caused by the exit beam from the radio. I'm also still maintaining a social life, going to the pub two to three times a week to watch live music. I have also recently started to enjoy going out for a meal again, I don't always eat what I would have chosen before the treatment, but it's great to enjoy the simple pleasure of eating with friends again.

It's been quite easy for me to settle into my new role, as it was the same as my role prior to the treatment, but now I work directly for my current employer, instead of through an agency. I found it difficult at first remembering everybodys names, but I have settled in really well, and I now feel as if I was never away, and the last year was just a bad dream. I have re-established my identity, and I no longer feel completely defined by my illness.

I read about so many people who return to work really quickly after their treatment, and I have great admiration for them. I didn't have the energy for over a year, but eventually I feel that I am slowly recovering, although I am aware that I still have quite a way to go. Some things may never be the same, but I have come a long way, and I'm going to make the most of what I have now.

Glad to hear you have settled in so well. Like you I wonder how people have energy to work full time or even part time during and immediately after treatment. I think we have to accept that everyone is different. I doubt I could have worked for at least 6 months and was just lucky I can work from home and pad to the office for 2 hours or 12 based on how well I felt It must be very worrying for those who are exhausted just by the commute to work before actually working.

Going to the gym sounds forward looking and a good plan to be more normal. I was using Exten chairs at a local gym, but had to stop due to my kitchen fall vertebra fracture not the gym activity. I'm hoping to go again after I speak with the GP tomorrow as I just loved the feeling it gave me. The thing I liked about the gym sessions Jenni was not the exercise, but the pure 'me' time of soothing music etc. Although I did like how it pulled the figure into shape too.
Yes I can relate to << I don't always eat what I would have chosen before the treatment, but it's great to enjoy the simple pleasure of eating with friends again. >>

Now it's more a case of browsing the menu and eliminating all the can't eats and selecting from say 2 items. I can only say it does get better with time.

I also relate to what you say about being defined by your illness. Again this is all time related. You are quite right you have come a long way and I wish you much good luck and good health for your future life.