Definately not a myth.

I trained seriously for about a year then broke my left arm in 2 places (some may remember pics i put on here). I was totally out of action other than cardio on an exercise bike for about 3 months.

I'd say within another 3 - 4 months back at the gym i was back to where i was before, more or less. So what took me a year before, i got over 4 months afterwards.

2 and a bit years ago is a long time though so maybe not quite the same but the fact you've trained and probably know a bit about training will ensure you get decent gains over the first few months.