Living again

[dberg]

This is the first time I have checked in a while. I am 2 years post diagnosis and wanting so badly for life to go on. After a 2 year hiatus, I have just gotten a job teaching 1st grade and I am absolutely over the moon with excitement that I am back in the classroom and back in the "real world." My husband and I were talking about 403 plans from my benefits package and I told him I am not interested. I want to take care of immediate needs, not retirement. He said he would respect my wishes, but I know he disapproved. I tried to tell him that I am hopeful and optimistic, but I am also realistic! When I am at the 5 year mark, I will contribute to retirement again.

I am in a new school district, in a new school, and no one knows about my breast cancer. On one hand I want to tell somebody that I have been through hell, but on the other I don't. Can anyone stand one more breast cancer story, especially since we are coming up on October's "Breast Cancer Awareness" parade? I feel like I should keep my mouth shut.

[chrisy]

Hey, isn't that what it's all about! Congratulations on getting back in the "real world", if such a place exists! Sounds like you are well on the way to life after cancer. Good for you.

It's ok to take some time off from "retirement planning" and savor today for awhile. That doesn't mean you've given up on tommorrow - lots of tommorrows in fact.

As for sharing your history (or is it herstory?), that's also your choice. You may feel that you are not ready to do this yet in your new environment, but when it's time and you are ready, believe me the opportunity will present itself.

In the meantime, enjoy your wonderful new job! Sounds like fun - some good 6 year old energy will keep YOU young, too!

Take care
Chris

[RhondaH]

I know what you mean. I just finished Herceptin 8/10 and while frightening, normalcy is a WONDERFUL thing and I TOO want to revel in it. Enjoy...he'll get over it:) Take care and God bless.

Rhonda

[MJo]

Hee Hee. I am right now this minute wondering whether to invest money or spend it. SHould I be future oriented, the way I was before, or should I concentrate on today? It has to be moderation for me, since before cancer I tended to swing from one extreme to the other. I enjoy seeing money grow, so I will do some investing because I consider it enjoyable. On the other hand, I remind myself (almost) every day that I cant put off doing what I like -- and I like cruises. You don't have to put the max into a 401K -- you could open it and put in the minimum donation. That should make your hubby happy and leave you with money to enjoy.

[Becky]

Also - my 2cents. If your 403 plan is matched (for example, mine is matched 100% by my company for the first 4% I contribute) you should do the max they will match. It's 100% interest rate. And the amount you contribute isn't that big.


Then, do what you will with the rest.

Take care - I am also at 2 years from diagnosis (end of August 2004) and started chemo in October. It was a bad time to get diagnosis and go through the beginning of everything during October - Breast cancer awareness month. I remember taking my 2 daughters who were still living at home that were in 8th and 10th grade then to the mall with my Visa that had nothing on it and said - go, lets spend. They were devestated with my diagnosis and before the chemo, I thought a shopping spree (something I would never do but was a dream come true for them) was just what the doctor ordered. But I could not enjoy it with them as every store had some bc item for sale (ie: buy this scarf and 50% of the purchase price goes to Komen etc) so we could not get away from it even for a few hours.

Oh well - I will be thinking of you as you are also on my timeline.

Have a nice weekend

Becky

[tousled1]

It won't hurt to put a little into your retirement plan. At least that way you will have something to look forward to when you do reach retirement -- which you will! Enjoy being back at work and don't be too tough on the kids.