Uncomfortable transparency
In reading “Naked Conversations” I just got to the end about transparency. And I felt a little bad because I haven’t been transparent with you yet. You know who I am and that I do PR and for whom and that’s all great. And you know generally what I’m into. But I also put out there that I’m taking a medical leave and didn’t say why. I feel like it’s really private and I frankly wondered what it could mean for me long-term professionally. Like if people found out, would they not want to hire me at some point in my future?
Well, I decided that’s it’s silly not to just say what’s going on and anyone who wouldn’t hire me becuase of this is not a company I’d want to work for anyway. P.S. I’m not looking either. :)
So, here it is in all my uncomfortableness - I have stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma. This is the first time I’m publically sharing this. Essentially I have oral cancer. I am under 30, never smoked, and a social drinker. I am not the statistic for this. It’s a freak random incident, but I have it. I’m 3 weeks into 6.5 week radiation and chemo treatments. And I’m doing ok given the circumstances. I’ve had some bad days and actually lots of really decent ones. The worst of it will come these next few weeks, but I feel emotionally and physically as ready as I can be.
So, this is why I’m not totally up to speed on what’s happening in the tech world and why I wouldn’t be posting often these next few months.
It’s actually been hard for me to be more disconnected from work and technology. I’ve lived, eaten, breathed it for 8+ years and now I’m having to step back a bit. I miss knowing all the breaking news, what’s happening on twitter, and who’s doing what, but it’ll all be there when I’m better. And I’m actually finding some time to do some of the catch up I’ve wanted (like reading Naked Conversations).
Ok, well that wasn’t so hard writing that. Let’s see how anxious I get when I hit…post.
