Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer) Support Group

Renal cell carcinoma, also known by a gurnistical tumor, is the most common form of kidney cancer arising from the renal tubule. It is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. Initial therapy is with surgery. It is notoriously resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, although some cases respond to immunotherapy.

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dorraine 03/03/2011

I'm a RN now for 27 yrs, love my job. I have been out on medical leave for three months , soon to be four. I can't remember the phone number of my unit, passwords to do my job and so on. I have always been a good worker, best skills according to my boss and great to work with cause I know my job and do it well. What if that person does not return due to my illness?What if I can't keep up? What if I've lost my skills, my edge. This was the one part of me, my life I was confident about. Felt good about, loved. Now I don't know and it scares me, makes me sad.Has anyone been here? How did you handle it?

kkzimm 03/03/2011

Dorraine, I've not had this situation, but have had to return to a career after raising a family. I don't think you've lost all you gained in the 27 years, it may take a bit to get back into it, but I'm sure you will regain the confidence you've had. One step at a time, would be my guess. Right now you're missing a big part of who you were, it's going to make you sad.
Hang in there!
Karen

deleted_user 03/12/2011

It will all come back to you, and your illness will make you an even better RN. I always think the best RN's are the ones who have been the patient before. I have been separated from a job before, not as long as 4 months, but long enough that I was nervous to go back. Your 27 years of experience are not going to be forgotten that easily. I was just over a year into nursing school when I had to drop for my surgery. I am going back in May after a 4 month hiatus and hoping that I remember everything that I learned previously. It's scary, but we have to move forward to move forward. :)

Angelpuss 03/13/2011

Dear Dorraine,
I was on sick leave for well over a year and thought I would never be able to teach again. I can relate so well to how you are feeling. I did go back to work and as soon as I stood in front of a class, everything was just the way it was before. I could even hear myself saying the same things. I am sure once you are back in your familiar work surroundings you will be fine and your confidence will return very quickly. Be gentle on yourself - you've been through a traumatic few months with a cancer diagnosis, then surgery and recovery.
Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes.

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