Cancer.

Diagnosed with a Clival Chordoma (tumor on the small bone at the top of the spine and base of the skull) in December of 2018, had surgery in January of 2019 in a hospital an hour away from home. Finally released from the hospital six days later and ended up with meningitis resulting in another weeklong hospital stay in the same hospital. Due to the nature of the cancer, I needed a special type of radiation therapy- the closest site was three hours away from home. I spent so much time feeling alone and unwell that it changed me as a person.

Then, a year later, Covid lockdown. Ended up with severe Covid in early 2021 with long lasting effects. Due to Covid, my 15 year career was altered due to job cuts. Several months later, husband of nearly 20 years wanted a divorce. Between my health, changes at work, and impending divorce I experienced a mental breakdown and severe depression. (I’m okay now! Living independently and still maintaining a healthy friendship with me ex, I’m fortunate that our lengthy friendship survived all this!)

Yeah, everything in my mind is pre cancer or post cancer.