Movin'in the fast lane

Wow, doesn't time fly. I just can't keep up writing this blog. As one occasion after the other is whizzing by. After the operation I was left with two arms that I could bend only at the elbows. The operated on arm is doing fine as I try to increase my mobility. The right arm is getting more and more painful as I move along. My mother spent quite some time with us again, running my household for me while I wasn't able. Bless her heart, for I wouldn't know how I would managae without her. As time progresses I am starting to get back my functions. This week I tried driving a bit, which seems OK again. However I have noticed that too much driving is painful and it sets you back a few days. I have allowed myself to drive for a very limited time and I expect to be in contact with the rest of the world soon. I have been going in and out of the hospital for many tests and talks. It appears that the pain in my arm is caused by a vertebrae that has been effected by the cancer. After 2 scans and an MRI I was able to see the damage in my body, once again. Dr. Pluymakers, the new orthopedic surgeon (a knight in fighting armor) is totally on my case and is moving at a very fast pace. Basically, the next surgery awaits me. However, we will be starting off with radiation therapy to the spine first. In the meantime, my arm is being treated too as post-operative treatment, the radiation therapy is supposed to get rid of the cancer cells that are still in my left arm. I am considering either a membership to the operating room or obtaining a life-long supply of Titanium. Either way the bionic woman née super woman, is still going strong.

What else is keeping me busy? At the end of next month I will be leaving Pricewaterhouse Coopers. It will be two years since I was diagnosed with cancer. A prognosis of 10 years seems very grim. I think I might opt for more. Fortunately Holland's social security is still somewhat intact. It is hard to imagine that with Obama on the throne in the US, the social system might just catch up with Holland's which is slimming down as years go by. As things go out here, every working person pays a percentage of their income towards various social plans. In my case I have to apply for a plan called the WIA which caters to people with long-term illness. A special doctor then calls out the verdict: either you are still suitable to join the working force or you are not. My verdict was that I was not. I am supposed to be happy with this as it will ensure an income of 70% of my last income without having to apply for another job. In other words, nobody will make me work again. And here am I trying to find useful tasks for the future, some of which quite ambitious. Right now, I find that I have to be strict with myself as I have a tendancy to do too much. Here is a picture which perfectly illustrates this. Ha ha...me trying to shop. What was I thinking? February will very much be in the light of preparing for a life without a job. More on this topic in the near future.