This week
I had the chance to spend time with two lovely women, Debbie and
Rissa both cancer survivors and in the "new normal" stage of their
journey with cancer. New normal is about figuring out what is next
and how to live your life after treatment is over. Read more about
new normal on the website.
Debbie is an amazing woman that has survived melanoma. She and I
met at her house and I showed her how the thinkaboutyourlife.org
website works. Quickly, she jumped in and starting using the tools
on the site. I just sat back, sipped my coffee and waited to see if
she had any questions. At one point I asked her how it was going
and she said, "I need to walk, walk, walk! That's the one thing
that would help all of the things that are not working and making
me have bad days. I've said it out loud now; I have to do it." We
laughed about that - one of those things that is so simple, totally
in our control and that we are always reluctant to do - exercise!
She did share her action plan with me for where she was going to
walk and when she would start. I found this inspiring! To read
about Debbie click here.
Later that day, I met with Rissa at local coffee
shop to think about what tools would be helpful to her on the
website. She is a friend of mine I knew before she was diagnosed
with brain cancer. She had surgery and now has scans every three
months to ensure she is doing well. She is doing great!
Rissa shared some work she had done a few months ago on thinkaboutyourlife - the Dreams tool. To read
about Rissa click here. When we looked at it, it was exciting
to see all she has achieved towards her dreams! She and her
husband, John are looking to simplify their life as their three
children are grown and live on their own. The first step towards
this was putting their house on the market. Also, they have lots of
questions about options for health insurance, where they want to
live next, employment, wondering what will happen if her brain
cancer comes back and making sure she has a great support network
where ever they live. She is really clear about what she wants for
her life: to be near friends and family, help others, live her
faith by helping others!
I appreciate Rissa and Debbie agreeing to spend time talking
with me and sharing their lives to help others.
Amanda George
