finding my new normal

but normal crazy.    Unlike the youngsters who even with huge changes, bounce back into the "newness" of something....everything is an adventure.  At this age we are a bit stuck in our ways.....stuck in the "who" of us.....so huge changes don't sit as easily.  But, the good thing is we're still able to move on, adapt.....it just takes longer (possibly because once mature we are actually asking ourselves the real questions....like "will we work again?", instead of "how can I get famous"....LOL. 

I know you're smiling big time.....that you're just in the midst of a "readjustment"....adjustment will come, and you'll wonder how you had time to work a job.

p

I have a theory concerning relationships that is as follows:

"Every one on us is whacked to a certain degree. Some more than others. When two people meet that are equally whacked, then it all seems normal"

So it is with cancer. We all had/have it. All of us go through treatment and recovery but end up in different places concerning what "normal" is. Certainly it's never going to be the same as it was prior to cancer. There's no rhyme or reason as to where you end up on the "normal scale" (and as in a relationship, it's all relative).

It's going to be a while until I settle into what is my new normal but I took the first step in establishing it and went to work today I'm in the office for just a few hours but it feels really good to be focused and doing something other than sitting in my recliner feeling bad. 

Who'd have thought that doing something normal could make you feel normal

"T"

Hi Katie,

I like it when you have a little lilt in your writing, it sounds like things are normalizing in your health.  Even though I was happy, I felt a bit lost when my rad & chem onc pushed me out of the nest. It was time to fly. 

Luckily, I have a very good friend (boss) who works with my “new normal”.

Use some of that Katie wisdom to direct your new path (I love that Katie wisdom).

Your Oregon bud,

Matt

jim and i said:

new normal

Jim was retired before he was diagnosed, I was getting ready to retire in a year. When Jim was done with treatment and the dust settled he found his new normal quickly. I on the other hand struggled with what to do with my self. I felt useless. Jim did not want me to return to work so I really struggled. Now, two years from his diagnosis, I have started to learn to quilt, something I always wanted to learn. The class enables me to meet new people and the projects let me use my creativity. One added benefit is it keeps my hands busy which stops me from snacking constantly. Another is it is relaxing. My advise, do something you enjoy.

Debbie

My husband has been retired for 3 years.....when I got sick, and then as I recovered I was determined to return to work.  Well, hubby started working on me to retire also so we can have some fun while health still allows.   I have been "struggling" since the day I announced at work that I was going to retire.....actually, I've been plain neurotic about it.  I say little to hubby about it, but it keeps me awake nights, and feels like a weight on my shoulders.  I might have to try quilting....I LOVE quilts, but never thought of doing one....and a class t'boot for a social life.  I have one week of swing shift to do, and one graveyard....and then I'm done.....June 3rd is the big day.

p

phrannie51 said:

Debbie....I'm so grateful you posted....

My husband has been retired for 3 years.....when I got sick, and then as I recovered I was determined to return to work.  Well, hubby started working on me to retire also so we can have some fun while health still allows.   I have been "struggling" since the day I announced at work that I was going to retire.....actually, I've been plain neurotic about it.  I say little to hubby about it, but it keeps me awake nights, and feels like a weight on my shoulders.  I might have to try quilting....I LOVE quilts, but never thought of doing one....and a class t'boot for a social life.  I have one week of swing shift to do, and one graveyard....and then I'm done.....June 3rd is the big day.

p

I'm so glad that you are taking your Husband's advice ! I hope that y'all travel or do something fun ! I retired after my first surgery because I had to go to the hospital because I had a 3rd DVT (blood clot in my leg) and then found the lump on my neck a month or so later, but I have not wished for one moment that I was still working !! Even tho I have been sick most of the time I love staying at home and not having to get up when that alarm clock goes off. I really do wonder somtimes how I ever had time to work !!! You're gonna love it !!!

Peggy

P.S. We plan to do a little traveling once I get to my "new normal"

longtermsurvivor said:

You will find the balance

I never had to really worry about this, my situation came on over a number of insults spread out over the years.  I've been on disability for awhile.  Can't talk very well.  Can't eat very well.  But the  rest of me works pretty well.  I work in my wife's company now, contributing what I can.  And I  long distance backpack, and do some other pretty neat things.  Things that are not precluded by MY particular disabilities, yet are fulfilling.  I don't have a moments wasted time.  Neither will you.

 

Pat

How's the MF, and gardening this year......?

JG

Normal is a setting on the dryer.  I haven't had the luxury to get settled in.  I did return to work after bouts 1 and 2.  Went to work, came home, ate and went to bed.  Rested on Saturday if I wanted to go to church on Sunday.  This time, number 3 has been a much slower recovery.  I fatigue so easily, not putting on weight (not losing weight either!).  I will also retire in June.  I don't know what it will be like in August to pass the school supplies and not buy at the good price for the year!!!!  I am happy that I can take care of my needs and really happy that my hubby has taken to the cooking .  We are getting ready to drive up to Oregon to see our precious granddaughter .  Hoping that I can return to some sort of routine.