Hi everyone,
In case you have missed out on what’s been going on at I Had Cancer, here is a quick recap. Please let us know if you have any questions, comments or requests for our team!
 
Recent Blog Posts (please email emily@ihadcancer.com to learn more)

• I Don't Want The "New Normal"- Life after cancer is anything abut normal. Instead of focusing on finding "the new normal," Barbara believes that survivors should focus on discovering "the new life" and leave "normal" behind. Read more.
• How To Save Money During and After Cancer - Cancer is expensive. All these new costs in your life can quickly make it seem like you don't have enough money to do the things that you used to do before. Here are some tricks that Mallory, a cancer survivor, uses to make budgeting more manageable.

Recent Dear Cancer Messages (What do you have to say to cancer? Let it out.)

• Dear Cancer.... Headaches, headaches I will never forget the headaches. The horrific pain and discomfort you caused me. You have killed millions of people, physically and emotionally, Throughout history. Blood taken and given everyday: The number of pills, so many I cannot say, Alienation from my counts being low. Unthinkable weight gain And chronic, debilitating, excruciating pain. Because of You: All because of You You showed up unexpectedly And tried to steal my life away: But, You were wrong. I am still here today. (click here to comment)
• Dear Cancer, I truly feel sorry for you today. Today I am remind, as everyday, that it is I, just a 20 year old with a dream, beat the monster that invaded my life almost two years ago now. Today I play with my new hair, which is actually better (thicker and softer) that my old hair was, so you lost that too if you thought taking it away would make me feel worse. I was told yesterday that I call into work too much around chemo time. Well guess what? That means I have a job and people who care enough about me to work with my chemo schedule. You lost that too. I had finals last week. That means I am back at college. It might such some days, sure, I feel like you keep me in a mental fog, but I had finals which means I got through a whole semester despite you. Take that. I might not be all that brave, cancer, but I have grown brave wings, and honestly, I think I only have them because of you. You thought you would tear me down? Well, as a matter a fact, you showed me how strong I could be. You taught me to push through. After this, I will no longer just fly; I will soar. Nothing you do now can possibly change that. (click here to comment)

Recent Facebook post (Don't forget to Like us on FB!)

• "One person can make a difference and everyone should try." Email your story to emily@ihadcancer.com for the chance to be featured during our #WeekofInspiration. (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)
• If you could say something to a cancer patient who is spending the holidays in the hospital, or to their loved ones, what would you say to make them smile? #holidaysinthehospital (I Had Cancer Facebook Page)

Recent Discussion Questions (Ask anything you want on our discussion board.)

• When do you consider yourself a breast cancer survivor? From date of diagnoses, date of surgery, or date finishing chemo? Just some food for thought. (click here to answer)
• I've dealt with cancer several times. In my world it isn't any big deal. I'm strong and I can handle anything life hands me. BUT...... Has anyone had the problem of after cancer and treatment, looking at what I call "normals" (those who have never had cancer) and shake your head at some of the things they get spastic over? I find myself just going to work, coming home, taking care of my dogs, and just going and doing things on my own. Don't think I'm just hiding, just this year I've been to Bali, parachuted twice, been scuba diving, went to New Orleans twice, learned how to go camping and have gone camping with the dogs 4 or 5 times. For as much patience I have gained, I don't have much. Does that make sense?  (click here to answer)

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Thanks for all of your support.
- The IHC Team