Hi all,

I want you all to know of my new email address -
trisha4080@...

Also, there have been many changes for me over the past several
months.

After 4 YEARS of trying to decide if I could manage work AND life
after my surgery, I finally decided to go with the medical retirement
as offered by my physicians for all those years. I officially
resigned from employment on May 12, 2003. Although it was a very
scary move, it actually turned out to be easier than I thought,
especially when I took it one day at a time. If any of you are
having difficulty making a decision about that, it might be a good
thing for us to discuss - whaddya think? I have learned so much
about the disability retirement benefits processes - it has truly
been an educational experience.

In my particular case, what I really gave up was trying to prove
something. I'm not sure if I was trying to prove it to myself or to
others but I know what I was trying to prove: I am still productive.
What I don't know is why I was more interested in proving that at
WORK than at HOME. The harder I tried to be productive at work, the
less productive I was at home. All of I sudden I realized I would
rather see myself happy and content at home than frustrated with the
disorganization of my home while proving to myself and everybody else
that I could maintain a job and do everything I could do before my
diagnosis and surgery. For me, it was just a matter of reminding
myself of my post-BT priorities. I am so happy with my decision. I
think I can do more by volunteering and working on this list than I
could have ever done at work. Nuff of that...

One thing that may have helped me adjust(!)is I was married on
June 21. So, while you're noting my new email, here's a new name, as
well... Trisha Williams (and happier than I have ever been). Nuff of
that, too.

I'm headed to Phoenix and Las Vegas tomorrow but when I return I
would like to devote time each day to this list and share with you
ideas I have for us -- a nationwide patient support network. I have
been thinking about this for some time now and have alot of
suggestions as to how we could accomplish this. I've devised form
letters, a logo, business cards for those who wish to be involved,
etc. The name of the network you ask? BRAINGELS

You can sit on the edge of your seats until I get back! I know you
all can't wait. Seriously, as of tomorrow I won't be able to check
my emails until October 11. But, if you have any ideas about things
we could do with this, let me know!

Feeling a little silly today,
Trisha Williams, RN
BrainSurgery@yahoo groups List Moderator