First day of work after 22 months

I could hardly sleep Sunday night because when I woke up on Monday morning, my life as I knew it, would be changing. My “cancer” leave was done and after 22 months of NOT working, I went back to work. But, I didn’t return to my old job. I found something new. A new job that I know will challenge me and is a great job for my skill set and experience.

So as I packed my bag yesterday morning, I was excited and nervous. I had the usual worries one does when they start a new job- about your coworkers, what the job will actually be like, what my day to day will be, my commute etc. And then I was worried about me not working for so long, my new routine, if my cancer would come up at all and chemo brain.

I don’t think I’ve ever written about chemo brain but let me tell you chemo brain is REAL and it lasts. Right after chemo, my chemo brain was bad. Really bad. I had a lot of difficulty recalling words and often lost track of my point while telling a story. I continue to have word recall issues and sometimes forget things but overall my chemo brain is better. I haven’t really been intellectually challenged in the last 22 months so I’m looking forward to this new job challenging me in ways I haven’t been in a long time.

And although I was so worried about so many things, my first day was a success! I have a lot to learn, but I’m so excited to learn! I’m excited to be challenged. I’m excited to help students and teachers. I’m excited to make a difference in other people’s lives.

My So-Called Mommy Life back to work after cancer

But most of all, I’m excited to be “normal”. It felt so good today to make a lunch, get dressed in nice clothes,  and have somewhere to go. I’m excited to learn and contribute to meaningful discussions. Oh ya, a pay cheque after 22 months will be really nice also. But being “normal” after cancer is so hard because cancer is always a part of me and my life now. As of now I haven’t disclosed my cancer diagnosis to anyone. At this point, I’m not sure I will. It was SO nice for it NOT to come up today in a conversation. I was me. Just me. And for the time I was at work, I felt like Renee without cancer and that felt pretty amazing.

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Comments

  1. Fan says:

    Have fun & enjoy your time!

  2. mom2michael says:

    Renee, I am so happy for you!! This is such great news. And, clearly we need to catch up! I want to hear all about this new position!

  3. Carrie says:

    Congrats on getting back to work. I am hoping to return back to work soon after 6 years! Had some personal issues to deal with but excited to get back. Hope this new position works out for you!

  4. Tovah Carr says:

    Way to Go! F#$k Cancer! You’re rocking this whole after cancer life!

  5. Jessica says:

    Congrats Renee! Such great news from someone who deserves this and so much more!

  6. ellen says:

    That’s awesome Renee. Can’t wait to hear all about what you are doing. Congrats!

  7. I LOVE this!!! I’m so glad the first day went well and I know you’re going to be grreeeeeeaaat!

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