It Won't Happen That Way: Journey to Normal

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This blog is about our journey with life while living with cancer. John was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in February 2014. And so we walk "Side by Side." The title of the blog has been a phrase that Joyce and I have used for the past several years. It has been our way to deal with the reality that most plans and most days don't happen the way we had pictured it in our mind. And it has been our way to learn to anticipate the unexpected.

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Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Journey to Normal

John frequently spoke of the "new normal" in dealing with his cancer.

It could refer to the neuropathy in his fingers and toes, energy or pain level, activity limitations, or just what he/we did as our daily routine. We learned to constantly adapt to new normals. We had no choice but to do so and to try to remain as positive as possible.

I continue that journey to my "new normal." I am trying to do so with the same open and positive attitude that John and I found worked for us.

While John was in the hospital, we discovered how often people use the phrase "You're fine." If you listen you'll hear it frequently in daily conversation. In our new "hospital normal" we started to respond with "We're not fine, but we're okay."

So many of you have expressed your concern for me in my new journey. I continue to be amazed by all of the expressions and acts of love and caring. I want you to know that "I'm not fine, but I'm okay." Thanks for being there for me on my journey to my "new normal." Joyce