Just ran across your and your wife’s blogs. You make some interesting points about how lung cancer impacts others lives in sometimes negative ways. My situation was different. I had just announced my retirement 1 month prior to my wife’s diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer. I was going to work the remainder of the year but it was not possible to care for her and continue to work so I retired on the spot. I believe the number of speaking engagements and media appearances you make pale next to caring for your wife. I can assure you you will have ample opportunity to rebuild your career once your wife’s condition stabilizes or as in (God forbid) my wife’s case she passes from this devastating disease. Metastatic lung cancer is not only devastating to the entire family but is totally life changing and in some cases life transforming. I think in your wife’s case it was life transforming, not so sure about yours; I will have to read more of your blogs. For now I would suggest you focus on your wife and family. Your professional opportunities will not go away if you are out of the loop for several years. I have subsequently returned to work after my wife’s passing. I now work for a different firm and I believe that because of the experience I went through with my dearly departed wife I am a better person and as a result of my changed attitudes, expectations and priorities my work has actually improved. Good luck to both of you.