For the first six months of my treatment for Hodgkins disease, I was able to continue my high-pressure job as a director of a pediatric rehabilitation clinic in North Carolina. But after my husband took a job here in Ohio the side effects of the chemo caused me to be hospitalized three times and I suffered not only physical illness, but the absence of friends and family, the loss of my professional identity and my personal identity. I went through quite a range of emotions ~ bravery, determination, uncertainty and depression.
The staff at the hospital treated me with respect and compassion through all of those times. Although healing takes its own path and has its own schedule, I know that the continued support of my doctors and others have helped me cope and make the advances necessary in regaining myself.
If my experiences could be of any benefit to someone going through similiar circumstances, I would say; give yourself time, time to adjust to changes ~ and reach out. Realize that you will experience many emotions and all of them are valid.
