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glossectomygirl

Normal


Two years ago our Normal lives were turned on end. We never could have imagined a day when donning a mask to go shopping would be Normal. Where there are no weddings, no funerals, no graduations. Flash forward, i'm startled to see people without masks in the store, terrified to see nurses wearing them improperly. Normal is just a construct of what we are familiar with. It shifts and morphs.


Normal was breathing through my mouth and nose, eating, going to work.


Yet, as the days goes by.... Breathing through my neck, feeling warm breath up my neck, well its not that odd actually. Seeing a dark whole into my esophagus at the base of my neck, once repulsed me and now it is Normal. Hearing my voice emitted from a speaker as i type, well it feels slow and sometimes frustrating, but I'm forgetting the sensation of sound emitting from me. Learning to swallow without a tongue and with a rebuilt esophagus is still taking time, but just the other day i realized I'm not thinking about it when i drink water anymore. Okay, i'd love to shove a plate of fucking loaded french fried in my face!!!!! I miss eating real food!!!! Drinking all my meal is not bloody NORMAL. - whew - sorry.


My ability to adapt surprises me. We know humans do it all the time, adapt to all sorts of even worse things. But it is surprising when you see it happening to yourself. Surprisingly good.

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renriquez13
Mar 11, 2022

So first of all, I'm sure it feels awful (the choking feeling you've mentioned previously) but you look unbelievably good -- I think my neck is thicker than yours (but I can only blame cookies not cancer). Secondly, don't discount what a BACB you are -- things are feeling normal because you are normalizing them by your positive "it is what it is" attitude. Keep doing you -- because you do it like NO ONE ELSE ever could. Seriously, you truly are a warrior Queen. Sending all the positive vibes we can for you next week -- radiation may be tough but radiation ain't sheeet up against your badassery.


Also, we were watching the U of A game PAC-12 tournament…

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kellyclif
kellyclif
Mar 11, 2022

Tia you are one badass babe. You adapt and move forward and are absolutely incredible.

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draatf
Mar 11, 2022

Sonya, I'm so glad to see your beautiful face! Your swelling is gone, and your smile is back! I however, am not surprised to see you adapt. Adapting takes courage and strength and I don't know anyone more courageous or stronger than you! You are an example for us all. You are loved, you are cherished and you are so precious to us.

LOVE

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Ela Fuentevilla
Ela Fuentevilla
Mar 11, 2022

It is inspiring how much you have adapted even through unimaginable circumstances. You are my superhero!!

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Julia Lindberg
Julia Lindberg
Mar 10, 2022

Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!! I’m so happy to see your face!!! ❤️❤️❤️

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