Navigating the Seas of The New Normal...

Hello Dear community

It has been a little while I know.

I’m not even sure where I left off.

The one year remission party was wonderful and my mom and dad surprised me by flying in. it was such a joy seeing them but way too short.

I got the official results back and I am officially in Remission. And sailing along.

My lungs feel better every day and I suspect that when I have my next PFT, I will show a marked improvement.

The most wonderful thing happening is that Noah and I are being sent to New York City so that I can meet my donor Christine. But not just meet her; we will all be attending a fundraiser at C Carnegie Hall put on once a year by The Laurie Strauss Foundation. A foundation started by the parents of a very young girl Laurie Strauss who passed of Leukemia at the age of 26 in 1981.

Christine and I will be introduced to each other for the first time on stage at this event. WOW is all I can say, I am blown away, excited and humbled.

I’ll get all the details by the end of the week.

What a wonderful way to meet Christine.

The event is hosted by Rob Reiner and will have various music people like Natalie Cole and Marvin Hamlisch. Trippy!!

The event is Nov. 26 and we will be leaving for NYC on the 24. I am so happy because I am hoping to see my friend Nancy who I haven’t seen in a very long time.
So it is my job to rest a lot and get strong for the flight and the trip in general

This brings in the topic of navigating the Seas of the New Normal. When do I take trips, is it safe, do I expose myself to germs knowingly. How can I live my life fully and protect myself. As my immunosuppressants are weaned when does my new immune system step in to cover my butt?

I am sure every patient faces this.

I was recently faced with a tough choice when a weekend was planned with a group of friends and at the last minute one friend came down with a bad cold. who stays behind me, or the person who is sick?

In this case I went away and the friend graciously stepped down.

I honestly don’t know how often this will come up. I do know that for the party I posted a request that if people were sick to please celebrate at home. Over 12 people stayed at home with various illnesses. I was so grateful for that.

What do I do?

I just don’t know.

I feel it is one thing to be mindful when I shop, that i wash my hands often, but you never know when the person next to you in line at the store is at the beginning stages of a cold.

It is one thing to walk into the mouth of the Lion and go where I know there will be someone who is sick.

People are sick going to the clinic, in the elevators and the lobby of
UCSF.

It is my responsibility to make choices to support my recovery until my immune system is operating in a way I will be protected.

But is it also the responsibility of others in general to be mindful of their own health and spreading of germs.

I honestly don’t know. Everyone has a different perspective. We have all gone to work and social events with symptoms of a cold.

So wow I am torn.

I can not force my view points on others, yet I do hope that everyone is mindful no matter what my state of health is.

All of this has given me a lot to think about, from one end of the spectrum to the other. From feeling guilty for being sick; to hoping that people will learn to be more kind to their bodies because of my illness and their own well being, to feeling like it is unfair.....all of it.

Ultimately tho, I know that I am the only one really in charge of my own health and healing, with the help of prayers and Creator of course. But only I can say, no you know this doesn’t feel safe for me, I need to not do (fill in the blank).

Is this the New Normal, is this the New forever, and how can I live my life so I don’t feel isolated, yet I feel safe?

With a year behind me new questions arise, and I am sure new knowledge will be gained and hopefully not too many challenges.

I always pray for my continued Complete and Unlimited Health and Healing and some of it is not just physical some of it is spiritual and making hard choices.

Its flu season all, wash your hands a lot. Get that extra sleep, don’t wear yourself out so much, take time to slow down, love yourselves and your bodies, including your emotional bodies. Be kind to this physical sacred vessel that we get to inhabit as human people.

Thank you for all your love and support and prayers always.
Love Love and nothing but Love

Namaste
Victoria