I feel the best I have since diagnosis - oh maybe a little older but I have energy and stamina back. I can garden, clean house and am able to exercise. I feel blessed that I am doing so well at the 5 year mark.

I have had to set new priorities; I have put my work secondary and focused on my health and my mindset. I have been an excellent advocate for myself and have actively participated in the management of my treatment. I volunteer with cancer organizations. I use my coaching talents to help other cancer patients.
I have greater compassion for people facing illness and adversity, particularly those who do not have the same level of determination, positive attitude and fightin spirit.

I am able to take on a new consulting assignment. I make a point of spending time with friends and family.
I volunteer. I enjoy every day and search for opportunities to enjoy beauty, such as visiting a field of sunflowers or beautiful gardens. I can travel with less anxiety. By managing my energy, I am able to regain a good part of my lifestyle.

I have no complaints or concerns, other than the economy and the politics of our country.

The ups and downs. You overcome one hurdle, feel good but it's just for a little while. Then the monster is back again with a vengence. I have lost my personal sense of safety=health.

I reach out to my husband who has been a terrific partner and support. I reach out to my close friends who have been great cheerleaders. I like to meet with other cancer patients who share my values and spirit and we can encourage each other.

I am competitive by nature so my auto response is to feel the challenge and want to win, to beat it; to prove to myself I can do it.

I'm no longer aiming at living until age 100. I've revised my goal to age 70-75
I also don't feel I have to save my money until old age. I want to enjoy it now while I feel good. So I do things for myself now without any guilt. If my goal is too conservative and I do live longer, well I guess I'll just be a poor old lady.

The good thing is: I am self employed.
The bad thing is: I am self employed.

I am a partner in a consulting practice. I have not taken on assignment for more than two years.
I did not feel I could develop new customers when I was not sure that I could do the work.
Right now, I serve as the business arm of our consulting practice, handling the accounting, the billing and mentoring the newer consultants. It doesn't pay much but it keeps me engaged.
This month, I accepted a new assignment with a former client since I feel good and I welcome the challenge.

I put work aside to focus on my health and my survival. It is my highest priority.
I qualified for SS Disability and I made it work for me.
I am learning to adjust and figure out how to create a retirement lifestyle.

Challenge. Stimulation.

Revisit your priorities. Will working help you in your fight? Will it stimulate you or wear you out?
Is it in your best interest? Are you working only to maintain your benefits? If yes, is there another way to address that issue? Get advice from a Human Resource professional or an Employment Law attorney or a Health or Legal Advocate so you learn about the laws and your rights.

Complementary medicine, as in Massage, Reiki, Acupuncture.
Relaxing techniques such as Tai Chi.
Pampering myself, doing things that make me feel good.
Resting and giving myself permission to do nothing.

Find a mentor, a role model to help you deal with the fear and all the things you have to learn.
Take it one step, one day at a time.
Ask and learn to accept help from those around you.
It's OK to be scared. There will be plenty of opportunity to exhibit courage later on.