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Posted 2/11/2021 11:15 AM (GMT -5)
Oncology day. Yesterday was my last official day at work. Today I have all day Oncology with customary bloodwork and Lupron shot. At the end of the appointment I will pick up the letter from dr. curti officially retiring me. In his letter he states he is treating me for stage 4 widespread metastatic prostate cancer. He goes on to state that due to complications resulting from bone malignancy I am a poor candidate for joint replacement and that there is a high probability of prolonged healing, severe infection, and ultimate joint failure. He states that in his medical opinion I should stop working immediately and go on long-term disability due to the fact that there are no curative therapies and nothing that will put me into long-term stable remission. I guess I am retired
Posted 2/11/2021 11:21 AM (GMT -5)
Todd, enjoy your retirement. And best of luck with today's results. I'm retired 9 years now and still have nearly PTSD dreams where I'm back at work and have an impossible deadline. Retirement is way better!
Jim
Posted 2/11/2021 11:23 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks Jim. I have to admit I got a little misty yesterday. It’s not like I love where I work it’s filthy dirty, it stinks, and there are toxic chemicals everywhere, but all my friends are there.
Posted 2/11/2021 11:31 AM (GMT -5)
I was tired yesterday and I am re-tired today. Now that my wife is retired I am starting to get jealous. Best of luck on Onco day and with retirement.
Posted 2/11/2021 11:35 AM (GMT -5)
Thank you GoBucks. I almost typed gonucks. How’s it goin eh? Sorry I am only 5 hours from B.C. and actually worked a start up project up there for 6 months many years ago.
Posted 2/11/2021 11:49 AM (GMT -5)
AwesomeTodd.
Posted 2/11/2021 12:04 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks Prat.
Posted 2/11/2021 12:17 PM (GMT -5)
Wishing you everything good!

Djin
Posted 2/11/2021 12:24 PM (GMT -5)
I will also be retiring in next couple of months.

Congrats!
Posted 2/11/2021 1:05 PM (GMT -5)
Godspeed, Brother!

Me? I'm a knucklehead - - 72.5 y/o and I still work FT! I retired and went nuts - so it is what it is...

NJ Fred
Posted 2/11/2021 3:25 PM (GMT -5)
Congrats Mattam, you’ll love retirement
Posted 2/11/2021 3:42 PM (GMT -5)
I still have 3 yrs+ to go sad Changing careers at 57 has a negative effect on one's retirement fundulation.
Posted 2/11/2021 3:58 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks Prato. I'm thinking so. 🙂
Posted 2/11/2021 4:02 PM (GMT -5)
Mattam Congrats man. I hope this thing sticks. If I am not approved for SSDI then I will be back at work in soon. I know these things take time but we shall see.
Posted 2/11/2021 7:58 PM (GMT -5)
PSA undetectable. I am still a zero. I am sitting in the house looking out the window at the snow falling. It is our first snowfall of the year. We could get a foot or more over the next few days. I am bored. I have had a job in one firm or another since I was 12 years old. The idea of not working may take a while to adjust to. It will be easier in the spring when I get out on the tractor.
Posted 2/11/2021 8:14 PM (GMT -5)

Todd1963 said...
PSA undetectable. It will be easier in the spring when I get out on the tractor.


Todd,
My retirement "job" - or one of them - is as a manger of conservation land. I was out on snowshoes for two hours yesterday tracking down where the trespasser on a snowmobile is getting in now that the wetlands are frozen -- will put up more signage and a sturdy fence when the ground thaws - but also enjoying the fresh snow, taking lots of pictures, moving our wildlife camera, and checking out deer and coyote tracks in the snow. It's busier in warmer weather - mowing grassland trails and doing our best to fight back the invasive plant-life. Now, in my retirement, I know a few state rangers, fish-and-game officers, watershed conservation experts etc. If I knew then what I know now, I'd have gone that route for a living.
Jim

Post Edited (Bohemond) : 2/11/2021 6:22:55 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/11/2021 8:14 PM (GMT -5)
You will do fine, my friend. Best wishes.
Posted 2/11/2021 8:26 PM (GMT -5)
Todd--If your doctor's letter that you quoted doesn't get you on disability retirement then nobody else should get it either. You deserve it! Let us know how it goes.
Posted 2/11/2021 8:58 PM (GMT -5)
Todd - It is part retirement, part winter and part Covid that makes retirement now a tough proposition. It will get better as you find things to do once again. Hang in there with those low PSA’s.
Posted 2/13/2021 2:35 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Todd, Congrats👍👍👍 but don't worry buddy knowing you in a couple of months you will be wondering how you had time to work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😂🤣😜 Gosh I will trade you some cold for snow. We have been below zero now for 9 days 39 below this morning and looks like it will be tuesday before it gets to a couple of degrees above zero. Larry
Posted 2/14/2021 10:55 AM (GMT -5)

Hello, Todd ~~~

You have lots of skills and talents ---- so, as you look towards retirement, take your skill set and start working on new projects -- and those projects could be for friends, family, or neighbors.

You're right --- many of us fellows have worked for decades, and our work has defined our days, in many ways. It helps form our identities --- and represents security. I am a teacher --- basically, I have been in school each year of my life since kindergarten -- elementary school, high school, college years, and teaching ever since.

My advice -- get started on some new projects, and that will bring you tremendous satisfaction. With your skills, I can envision you working on a remodeling or home improvement project. Spring will be here --- so be sure to spend time outside, getting some yard work done.

Along the way, keep your mind open to some side jobs or projects that might be in your line of interest.

When summers rolled around, I used to paint rooms for Iowa State University, and later painted classrooms for my school district.

It was something different than "teaching" --- and it was great to have a "side gig" that kept me busy, and brought in some extra income.

These days, I still paint for friends and family ---- no charge! I just painted a new room for my folks over Christmas Break.

So --- think of your built-in talents, interests, and skill set ---- and you will find new satisfaction, away from the stress and daily grind. You have an extensive range of work experiences and a wide-ranging skill set.

You might also take your skills and volunteer, here & there, for a nonprofit --- I can picture you helping to build a new house for Habitat For Humanity --- just one example.

Here's to new adventures, new horizons!
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University
Posted 2/14/2021 11:55 AM (GMT -5)
Tomorrow, Monday Feb-15 I have to take my documents to work and sign some paperwork. I have a few tools I need to take home. I have a few that I have no idea what to do with. I may give them to an apprentice. I see no reason to bring home a 24” and a 36” Rigid aluminum pipe wrenches. When spring arrives we will be planting a garden. In the mean time I need to buy and plant 6 fruit trees. We have 6 acres to brush hog and turn into something that looks like a state park. I have guitars to play and hopefully soon to play in public once again. Perhaps I will finally start writing that book. I have been promised a retirement gig driving a snow groomer grooming snowmobile trails a few months a year. Our new home is 5 years old. Not much to remodel but definitely things to personalize. We have a shop to build. Not a big one but 30x30. A place for the boat and the camper. I have an advocacy to restart and friendships to rebuild. Amanda and I will be going to Hawai’i Island June 4th for 10 days. It is our 3rd trip to the big island and we will renew our vows on the 9th. Lots to do. Thanks for the optimistic posts. You guys are the best. Todd
Posted 2/14/2021 1:31 PM (GMT -5)

Tremendous post ---- this is a "blueprint" for your future, and you already have new plans.

I like the idea of donating those tools to an apprentice. There's meaning in that.

You have some great outdoor plans --- and some home improvement projects.

The snowmobile trail job offer is PERFECT for you ---- my brother would call it a "side hustle" --- in his words. I think that would be PERFECT for you. It suits your talents and interests, as an outdoorsman.

There's an old saying that comes to my mind, based on your new plans:

"I was born for the STORM, because the calm does not suit me."

In your case, the "storm" is getting up every day, and LIVING LIFE to the fullest --- full throttle!

You will be busy, in new and meaningful ways --- and your new "blueprint" for the future will inspire others.

Here's to new vistas, and new ventures ahead ~~~~
CYCLONE
Posted 2/15/2021 5:09 PM (GMT -5)
Todd,
That's some nice posts and great advice that the HW crew replied to you already.

My Brother, I am so proud of you! ...and envious. I am 100% sure you'll get that SSDI, like I was 100% sure your result would be undetectable once again.You do have many plans and no reason to get bored. I am looking forward to seeing videos of you singing on that ol guitar and photos of your new home.

Sure, you'll miss those friends at your old job, but remember your best friend Mandy is right here at home with you!
As always, Keep the Faith,
Wings aka Dan in sunny So Cal, and Isaiah 40:29-31
Posted 2/15/2021 6:21 PM (GMT -5)
You will come to enjoy being retired and as for missing friends at work the true friends will still call you and come to see you and that is the true mark of friendship bonding never ending. The best part now you can travel so toss the wrist watch into a draw because your on Todd time now!
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