When I completed my treatment for cancer in January, I thought to myself, "It is over ... I can have my normal life back!"

But I'm beginning to realize that going back to my 'old normal life' is impossible. A few reasons why:

• ongoing medical tests for cancer;
• never-ending 'pins and needles' sensation in both arms;
• lifelong numbness in my left side where the cancerous tumor was removed;
• possibility of being stricken with lymphedema, of which is irreversible, due to the removal of more than half of my lymph nodes from the surgical area; and
• constant wondering, "Will it come back again?"

However, there are a few benefits of this new life of mine:

• A deeper intimacy with Jehovah;
• A deeper intimacy with my wife;
• A new appreciation for life;
• A new awakening of inner perspectives; and
• A new mindset of "don't sweat the small stuff" in life.

ajh