Coming back to the inspiration place

**dcompton** · 10-08-2006, 12:04 AM

I've been out a long time, but it is definitely time to return for inspiration to get in gear with the savings again.

In July I visited the doc with annoying symptoms, and long story short, by the middle of August had major surgery, a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and started chemo. Fortunately the path report was pretty good and the gynecological oncologist is optimistic. So I'm just carrying on and letting him do the worrying if there's any to do. He has a great reputation and after all, it's his job. No need for both of us to fret! The chemo so far has been pretty easy, and I'm back at work again, a week off, then two weeks on, except this time -- I'm going to DC Monday for a week of retreat and to see friends before the next treatment. I had to cancel a July trip, and I wanted to use the ticket. At work they generously let me have another week off, after I had already been out almost two months (it was a little embarrassing even to ask for it!)

I have very good insurance at my job, a huge blessing for sure, so my out of pocket expenses for this are going to be amazingly minimal it looks like, at least for this year. And, fortunately, our insurance year runs with the facility fiscal year, July to June -- so, hee hee! the insurance has to pick up the first hideously expensive twelve months before they can hit me up for a big deductible again. I should very soon be to the point where they pay virtually all of it. And if I can keep more or less to this wrok schedule, I have enough paid leave accrued to cover my time off through the chemo series. Of course, that could change.

BUT -- I've had other expenses. More convenience food I rarely use for the times when I really don't feel like cooking, though I try to cook ahead. Eating out occasionally, something I rarely do. Spending to beef up the library on all kinds of new stuff I need to know. More drugstore expenses just for over the counter stuff and what not -- I must be Walgreen's favorite customer. Some really serious pantry stocking because I will feel less and less like shopping, I'm sure, as time goes on with the chemo. I found my cats a new home; I knew I would not be able to care for them after the surgery (I was so right), but I replaced them with (gasp) two Very Expensive Aquariums -- and don't regret a penny since they give me such pleasure.

But (another "but") it's time to climb back on the frugal bandwagon, stay out of the fish stores, out of Walgreen's and Walmart as much as I can, pretend Amazon.com does not exist, and tackle the increased credit card debt, thanks to my indulgence. I have the debt on two cards, both interest free, and I'm more or less collecting those balances in on-line savings. That's accumulating pretty quickly because I stopped the voluntary part of a retirement plan as of August. I regret having to do that, but I wasn't sure how this would play out, and thought I had better have a little more cash on hand until I knew more certainly how the insurance would come through. I will probably leave it that way for the rest of the year. And if I can motivate myself to do it, I have a ton of work piled up from my off-and-on editing job that will, at least in my mind, eventually pay for the aquariums. The work is so boring I like to think I'm getting something fun out of it in the end! So the situation is moderately serious, but not dire. I just need to get it together again. And I know this is the place to do it. So I'll keep reading all your good advice and pep talks and this WILL BE under control.

Two very bright notes: I have a special pass to park in the bigwigs' lot nearest the medical library (the medical school faculty defend their lot to the death). Heck, I could probably sell that slip of paper for enough to be debt free tomorrow -- if I didn't mind being fired! And I absolutely LOVE not having hair. I wish it would never, ever, ever grow back. I always hated having to mess with it.

I'm at work on break now, and don't have current figures, but after I get back from my trip, I'll update my signature. That alone will probably frighten me into renewed financial sobriety! And seeing it there all the time is a good reminder.

**PrairieRose** · 10-08-2006, 12:14 AM

Sorry to hear that you've been diagnosed and are being treated for cancer....good thing they got to it when they did.....whew! Glad you're back here, nice ta see ya again!

**JustJoy** · 10-08-2006, 08:12 AM

{{HUGS}} You are in my thoughts & prayers. So glad to hear that you are doing well

**autumnlynn** · 10-08-2006, 09:12 AM

Sorry for the diagnosis but glad you are doing well. Glad to have you back!

**Darlene** · 10-08-2006, 09:21 AM

Love your attitude Donna! Nice to have you back and in fighting spirit.

**miss_thrifty** · 10-08-2006, 11:37 AM

glad to hear your back, sorry about the diagnose of cancer. HUgggsss and prayers going your way!!!

**sheidi** · 10-08-2006, 08:12 PM

nice to see you are so positive - that makes a huge difference! all the best with the recovery and the frugality

**Valerie in WA** · 10-09-2006, 12:49 AM

I'm glad to see you back; I've missed you.

I'm so sorry to hear about your health issues; I'm sure you know how scary ovarian cancer can be, but it sounds like you are off to a promising start.

Give yourself a break about the extra expenditures; they sound pretty justified. It sounds like you are already creating a solid plan for clearning that debt.

Your positive attitude is remarkable. You seem to be able to take your situation and respond to it in a very healthy manner.

I love your comment about the hair. I've always wanted to have none. And nothing to shave either! Yay!

I realize that because of distance, this may seem shallow, but - truly - if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.

**ironmaiden** · 10-09-2006, 04:03 PM

Who would expect you to go through all this and manage to grocery shop, worry about pennies, and cook from scratch. Sometimes you realize that the best you can do is whatever it takes to get through a crisis. And you can't expect more from yourself than that. Right now you need to take care of you first. That doesn't mean going hogwild and racking up huge charges buying yourself presents all the time. But certain things will definitely slip and you need to make your days a little easier.