[Mary Jo]

Hi Debra,

Just wanted to comment on your post. I agree that in someways we need to "adjust to our new normal." When you said that sometimes you wonder "if you'll ever be normal again" I can relate to that as well.

As I said in my original post, I truly do feel that PHYSICALLY I am back to my before breast cancer self. I have oodles of energy, I feel strong again, powerwalk/jog 4 - 6 miles every day (everyday cause I love it - strap on my ipod of inspirational music - sing praises and pray and feel TOTALLY REJUVINATED when I'm done - spiritually and physically) feel I look good (if that can be possible and feel healthy once again. That being said...................there is that "new normal" you spoke of and that "self" I also have. That is the "new normal PSYCHOLOGICAL self" That is a "new normal" that took a while to adjust too. It's a much better "self" now, 2 years out from surgery BUT it's a "self" that takes adjusting too. I am totally new and different when it comes to lots of areas of my life. Almost all of those areas are my life are wayyyyyyyyyyyyy better than they were before breast cancer. My whole mental state is better - I am happier - I believe I am healthier BUT more importantly I have an outlook on life that is healthy - happy - and very confident. Then there is that "scared" self (yup that "self" exists too) - that I deal with everyday. It, too, is getting better and better but I believe some of that is just learning to accept our "new normals" and to believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that a plan is in place for each of us and I am learning to accept that and to trust that what is best for me will take place.

So just wanted to say that I understand your feelings and feel much of it also or have felt that way.

Hugs,

Mary Jo