Learning the New Normal

Imagine our surprise, having settled into living with cancer with a bit of peace and a lot of hope, receiving a phone call from dear Dr. Warr saying the cancer has moved into Clo's brain and we need to stop chemo and start radiation immediately! Oh, my!!! Silence. Gasp. Moan. Breathe!

The good news is multiple: small pea sized tumours, immediate radiation treatments scheduled, only five daily treatments, then able to return to chemo. Life is feeling manageable again. Five daily treatments then back to chemo. Good sign. Clo is back on steroids and has that manic energy that wears me out. However, it feels like we can face the uninvited cancer visitor who has decided to stay.

I think a huge learning for us while on this current journey is to be in the moment, to trust friends, family and medical system, and always know change is right around the corner. My friend Dawn, from Michigan, taught me the concept of the "new normal". The new normal is ever changing, and admitting that that is the truth helps keep me sane. My job is to keep my heart open to loving Clo and simultaneously find a place for myself in the part of the world that does not have cancer as the centre piece.

I suspect there are several others out there with a similar plan. Keep on loving. Feel good about the way you/I give and receive love, caring, kindness..... AND live a rich, joyful life. Lets talk about how it is working for us. So far, it is not going so bad for me. Actually, mostly life is full of love, laughter, hope.....sometimes fear and sadness creep in. But fear and sadness belong in my life right now. It makes sense to live with them when huge challenges face us. I simply must not lose track of the hope and laughter and joy.

Write to me. I am very glad to explore feelings together. Hugs, Nancy