Having to give up dream because of cancer.

dysonsphere

Only a month ago I was about to realize my life long dream. I 'd finished all of my course work for my Bachelor degree in Education and I had 4 months of student teaching from January to April 2020 and I would be a certified teacher. In preparation, I went to get a mammogram in late November. This was just part of my well woman exam I was getting out of the way since I would be busy for a few months. After a few tense weeks, I was diagnosed with IDC. Everything that I worked so hard for, all of the late nights and all the vacation days sacrificed to finish school, were made pointless. I had to drop out of my student teaching, lost my scholarship, and now the day I was supposed to begin teaching my class, I will be going to the cancer center. Nevermind I am a single parent with a 5 year old to raise.

I know that most likely I will be able to return to my education and finish my certification when this is all over. I waver between being crushed that my dream has been put on hold and being grateful that it is the reason I found out I had cancer. This forum has really helped me accept what my new normal is and it is comforting to know, unfortunately, that I'm not going through this alone.

exbrnxgrl

I know how crushing a cancer dx can be and then to have to put your dreams on hold is like pouring salt on a wound. Focus on your health right now, period. That comes first. Please speak to advisors or counselors in your credentialing program as they can help you pick up where you left off when your main tx is done.

I am a long time teacher and we need passionate, new teachers to educate and inspire our students. You’re not giving up your dream, just deferring it for a while. BTW, I have been stage IV for over 8 years and continue to teach! Take very good care of yourself now and know that you will be able to realize your dream, just a bi later than planned

dysonsphere

How wonderful to hear that you have been living with this disease and still teaching! I try not to focus on how everything is so ridiculously different right now than I had planned. I haven't focused on myself for many years so it's a whole new world and I don't really like it. I miss being among the little faces of my 1st graders, learning and growing. But I know I will be there again some day. Thanks for the kind words.

AliceBastable

Dysonsphere, you have a small, easily treated cancer. It's a blip in your plans, not a block.

exbrnxgrl

Dysonsphere,

What a coincidence! I have been teaching grade 1 for a bit over 8 years. As a matter of fact, the year I moved from kindergarten to first was the year of my dx. Remember, your dream is still there just deferred for a bit.