It’s challenging to know what to focus on in our current chaotic world. We are in the middle of a virus pandemic, which has led to a pandemic of fear. The past week has brought up even more fear and outrage over yet another killing of an unarmed African American man at the hands of police. For those of us dealing with cancer, cancer might still be the most life-threatening danger in our lives, and the additional fears may be exacerbating that danger.

Because of our stay-at-home order, I haven’t had my monthly blood test for three months. That blood test is how I monitor the activity of my cancer so I know when my healing strategies are making a difference, and when I need to do something different. I haven’t received lab results since March 1st. There are two sides to this reality. One is that I feel anxious because I don’t know if my cancer is progressing. The other side is I feel more relaxed and forget I have cancer since there is no information to direct my next step. I feel a little of each.

Fortunately and gratefully, the pandemic has forced me into the Zoom world, creating opportunities for me to explore past events that may have been influential in the etiology of my cancer. I have been part of two different groups that have added meaning to my time sequestered at home. One is a memoir writing group led by Terri Tate in which I have been starting to write stories of turning points in my life.

The other Zoom group is a book group, reading “The Story You Need to Tell: Writing to Heal from Trauma, Illness, or Loss” by Sandra Marinella. An optional homework assignment was to make a list of 7 to 20 of the most important and formative events during my life, events that helped define me. This gave me the list of stories I needed to write. Both groups have been engaging and fulfilling, and synergistically they have had a profound impact on me.

In addition to the fulfillment and healing from writing my own stories, I have also been touched by hearing stories of others. My need for connection during the COVID isolation has been met by the intimate sharing of our stories. I want to introduce you to one of the writers. I’m including with this newsletter a story written by Lindsay Kimmel, a young woman in my writing group. Her perspective on cancer as boot camp for COVID 19 is timely and hopefully will be meaningful and inspiring to you.

The book study group has offered an effective strategy for dealing with trauma or illness. This group has been so enjoyable and useful to me that we are going to offer it to you through Healing Journeys. Sandra Marinella, the author of the book, will facilitate the group on Zoom.

You don’t need to be a writer to benefit from this group. You do need to read the book and be willing to discuss it in the group. Sandra will provide questions and chapter assignments ahead of time. Writing exercises will be optional. We are planning to start the group in August. There will be a 1-hour introductory meeting, four 90-minute meetings to discuss the book, and an optional 6th meeting for anyone that wants to read something they have written.

This group will be free-of-charge because of funding from Gina Purin in honor of her sister, Carol, a long- time supporter of Healing Journeys and current HJ Board member. Thank you, Gina! If you are interested in joining this group, please email me at jan@healingjourneys.org. Class size will be limited to 12. I’m looking forward to connecting with some of you in this group.

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