These are difficult and scary times, that's for sure. Even with all you are having to deal with your illness, and the impact that it had on work, you have a great skill set as an accountant, something that I think will be in more demand now that people and companies are really worried about their finances and making ends meet. Have you ever considered setting up your own accounting company, serving as a consultant accountant for individuals, small businesses (or even big ones who've let their accounting departments go)? That would allow you to set the time of when you actually work, as would temporary agencies, a good suggestion, and let you continue to bring in the money.

So many people are being laid off now that your needing to explain what happened at your last job may be less important now than ever before -- you were laid off or downsized, as the company said and I would stick with that story. Makes you part of the incrowd nowadays as everyone I know is getting laid off.

Hang in there and take care of yourself!