tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3415937412580189741.post2106687425863509776..comments2009-01-29T09:08:11.698-05:00Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00822319387747777385noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3415937412580189741.post-83514800635861260142008-08-06T11:43:00.000-04:002008-08-06T11:43:00.000-04:00Hi,<BR/>When I wrote the first draft of AFTER CANCER during my first remission,the subtitle was YOUR GUIDE BACK TO NORMAL. Within months, the subtitle was changed to reflect my realization that I (and most survivors who have completed treatment) can't and don't go back to their old normal. So I changed the subtitle to A GUIDE TO YOUR NEW LIFE. Underlying all the information and advice about dealing with the medical, practial and emotional issues of recovery and longterm survivorship is the notion of creating a "new normal" that is the best it can be. <BR/><BR/>We tend to focus on the post-treatment changes and losses that are unpleasant and unwanted. And I'm not minimizing them. But many survivors find value in good things that have come out of the bad, unwanted cancer experience. <BR/><BR/>Cancer is bad. But survivorship is not all bad. And for some, their life after cancer is in some ways better than before. I've certainly sensed from many of your posts that you appreciate the good things that have come out of a bad situation.<BR/><BR/>Wishing you strength and hope and you build your new normal.<BR/>WendyWendy S. Harpham, MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09167276216970598762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3415937412580189741.post-34171353563569314692008-08-05T18:37:00.000-04:002008-08-05T18:37:00.000-04:00new norms...can be termed "new and improved norms" <BR/>With everything that happens in ours lives we have the ability to MAKE it...better.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com