A New Kind of Normal

They say theres a book in all of us but I doubt I would ever have written one had it not have been for my diagnosis of breast cancer in 2011. A New Kind of Normal is the story of my life up to and moving on from that moment. Growing up in the 60s working through the 70s and 80s juggling a career in TV and radio while bringing up three children and surviving two divorces. From the moment I knew what a bra was Id wanted breasts: I even crafted a pair of blue plasticine boobs for myself as nature made me wait until I was 15 for breasts of my own! Through cancer I lost them both and with the chemotherapy; all my hair my fingernails and more worryingly a sense of whom I was. My hair grew back as did my fingernails but I still struggled with my identity.What Ive written isnt a diary nor a self-help guide and its not just about cancer. Ive taken a really good look at the little girl I was and the woman I grew into and why I went to such lengths to try and claw back some of what cancer had taken from me - its not everyones way I appreciate and its been an interesting exercise trying to ascertain why it was mine!Ive been honest open and meticulous when it comes to detail as I firmly believe that if you take away the mystery you can take away some of the fear. But theres a lot to laugh about here too as luckily Ive always been able to see the funny side of a situation preferring that to the occasional overwhelming despair I felt.In this book Ive tried to move the disease away from the medical professionals and the hospitals and to bring it into the day to day because thats where it sits. Over the last seven years Ive come to realise that the ripple effect of cancer is far reaching affecting not just those of us living with it but everyone around us. A New Kind of Normal gives an insight into my relationship with my then partner now husband; my children and their reaction to my illness my family and friends my work colleagues people who wrote to me and the professionals who cared for me; everybody reacts differently. Breast cancer assaults your femininity - the treatment is tough and the surgery brutal. It isnt easy but it is possible and Id like to feel this book may be a source of comfort to anyone whos life is touched by breast cancer; maybe even help them to find their New Kind of Normal. There are many things in life we may have to give up on but hope is not one of them.