Nothing new here… phrases pop up and find their way into the “lingo” promising an enlightened thought or approach. You are hearing more of this phrase, the concept of which has been known for years by cancer patients. Its not hip or slick. Bouncing forward refers to resilience and I like it because it inspires us to visually think of moving forward not bouncing back after tragedy or difficulty. We’ve had some tough times this year especially for those managing the covid crazy while dealing with cancer. But experiences of every kind, provide for us to see everything differently and provide opportunities to grow and change.
Patti was in this week and at 36, breast cancer was a huge surprise. Raised in foster care with no knowledge of family history, she was busy raising 2 small children when she was struck. The past year wasn’t about covid for her, it was getting through chemo, surgery and radiation and now she is ready to bounce forward. “Doc, guess what? I am going to college on line!” I am distracted by the fierce neon pink from head to toenails for breast cancer month, but her eyes twinkle and she is bursting with the news. Patti says, “After the year I’ve had, nursing is right where I belong- isn’t that great??” She is a wonderful example of this bounce forward concept.
Many think they will get their lives back after treatment- putting behind the drama and trauma. What I have learned in this bounce forward year is that no one gets to go back. We are not reverting to whatever our lives were before. We are changed too, in many positive ways. There will be renewed hope, clarity of purpose and direction, meaningful plans and an embrace of change.
Fran is sixty -five and in the past four years has been treated for lung, uterine and esophageal cancer. “Doc, do I have anymore organs they can remove?” Her sense of humor is a sure boost to her immunity as I show her a completely cancer free scan today. “Doc, I am gonna move to one of those senior places and learn pickle ball!” Ok, now that’s a huge bounce!
Fran and Patti teach us this week that we can all anticipate a future free of the past and open to all possibilities. When you think that life has handed you a heartache, have faith that you too can bounce forward and trust in your own resilience. You will be more energized, sure to grab a new lease on life and then congratulate yourself on your personal growth and healing. Have fun with it. An exciting, freeing, maybe even frivolous future is waiting just for you.