indiogrl's Cancer Blog
November 9, 2008
| Good News ---- and More Struggles | Views: 369 |
Well first let me say I had my last CT scan on Wednesday and everything came back fine. My doctor is concerned I’m not eating enough based on my bloodwork, but that’s minor.
The big thing happening in my life right now – my husband works for Chrysler. He’s 51 years old and has worked there for 32 years. This past week he was offered an early retirement package. Basically he has to take it because the alternative could be worse depending on what actually happens to Chrysler has a company.
You know, at least when I was sick I didn’t have to really worry about the finances, I had good insurance and disability pay from work. Now we have to figure out what to do financially, as his pension payments are only going to be about half his old income. I guess the good thing is he can look for another job and try to find something “fun” to do, without all the stress they’ve been under at what’s pretty much a failing company.
I was in Chicago last week for business, it was really cool to be there right after the presidential election.
I hope all of you are doing well as can be. It’s really cold here in Michigan now – and ever since my chemo I’m colder than the average bear – boy I miss the warm sun already and we have MONTHS to go until it comes back.
So good news healthwise but now we’ll be entering more unknown territory (better or worse ?)- I’ll keep you posted.
Thanks for your support -
Hello Heidi,
Well, great to hear you got good news on your test, that is awesome!
So sorry to hear about your husbands job. I think it’s just tragic when something like that happens, especially to people with that kind of time in the company! It really should be against the law!
Boy, it just seems like it’s always something, doesn’t it!
Keep your chin up. Things will most likely work out how they are supposed to. Try not to stress about it too much, that won’t be good for your health.
Sending many positive thoughts your way.
Hugs,
Wendy
Hooray for your health! Its always scary to lose a job. I’m glad that he will get a retirement package-much better than the alternative! It is scary to have unknowns though.
Dear Heidi;
That is such a jolt, when you hear after such a long career with a company, that it is closing its’ doors, and you are out with a parachute package. Noone ever expects that to happen and yet it seems to be the norm rather than the exception. I have a feeling it is going to be a very uncertain economic time for the next 2 = 3 years. I think we can all learn a lesson or two from this. Now our news channels are doing little bits on how to conserve and get real bargains when shopping, so that is the sign of the times. I know that doesn’t help you though. As you said, your husband has been under an awful lot of pressure, so reinventing ones self can be refreshing and just what the Dr. ordered in more ways than one. This is a time when we all have to put our heads together in our personal family situations and really come up with alternative ways to enjoy life. I feel that people have become to reliant on new toys, consumerism and gluttuny. It is time to get back to the really simple things that don’t cost all that much but are fun to do. I personally like to light a fire, turn down the lights, pour a glass of wine, and watch a movie that has a message. That is heaven for me, particuarly with my husband. Of course it helps when you decorate a pizza that you bought on sale at the grocery store, with things like lots of pepperoni, green pepper, mozzarela cheese. Mmmmmmm. now that’s economizing.
Take care and hopefully your finances will not be hurt too much and a new job for hubby is around the corner. By the way great news on your CT results. good good good.
Weezie
Congrats on the good news! I am sorry to hear about your husbands job. I just can’t get over how everyone is effected by this economy and how much. I know so many people loosing their jobs. I worry about mine too. My boyfriend works for the government to provide assistance for people who loose their jobs. We joke that he is one of the small, small minority with job security. When I was battling cancer I stressed about the cost of treatment more then the treatment itself. Thinking of you.
Sorry to hear about your husband. I live in the metro Detroit area too and have felliow friends facing similar situations.
My father recently began radiation and chemo treatment for tonsil cancer. He’ll be starting his third week on Monday. He has 7 weeks (m-f) of radiation with one week off in the middle of treatment along with one day of chemo every week.
Unfortunately, my dad is blind and is not adept to the Internet world to seek advice. Can you let me know if there is anything helpful and encouraging that I can pass on his way? I live 8 hours from my family (they live in Marquette), but try to speak to them often. I am visiting next week and would love to share some letters of encouragement with him.
As of today, his throat is starting to get pretty sore. He has not lost all of his taste yet, but does not have much of an appetite. His salivary glands are pretty much shot, and his spit is pretty thick (needs a water bottle). A home nurse came in yesterday to show my mom how to work the feeding tube for future use very soon. The cancer was found after going to an ENT Dr for a lump on his neck. He’s only 68, and has alot to look forward to with three young grand kids.
Any advise or experiences you can share would be great. Thanks.