How do you cope with the "new normal" after cancer treatment?

Communities›Mental Health and Mindfulness›How do you cope with the "new normal" after cancer treatment?

RR

Community Member

5 months ago

THE OTHER NORMAL! The other normal is the one that occurs after you were told that you have cancer and went through treatments. The other normal is the person that you change into after you started your journey. I see “NEW” as something shiny, fun, exciting. None of these things come to mind when I think of the other normal. The other normal is taking medication daily, the other normal is lab tests, follow up doctor appointments, and dealing with all the side effects of the medication, treatments, and trauma that your body has been through. The other normal is the constant not knowing if the cancer will return! This is what they call the “NEW NORMAL!” 🤪

5

7 comments

Comment

Accepted Answer

The feelings described here about this "other normal" are so valid and shared by many in the cancer community. Living with ongoing medical appointments, medications, and uncertainty creates a reality that feels far different from the carefree "new" experiences most people think of. Finding ways to cope often involves connecting with others who truly understand this journey, practicing stress management techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness, and working with healthcare teams to address both physical and emotional challenges.

3+ patients found this helpful

CM

Community Member

5 months ago

Yes

1

CH

Community Member

4 months ago

Yep

1

JD

Community Member

4 months ago

Well said, Richard!

1

KB

Community Member

4 months ago

Nailed it! It's basically living incrementally between CAT scans and lab work. Lots of mental/emotional gymnastics to try and stay positive.

2

MA

Community Member

4 months ago

👍

1

MW

Community Member

4 months ago

Definitely!

1

CA

Community Member

2 months ago

The feelings described here about this "other normal" are so valid and shared by many in the cancer community. Living with ongoing medical appointments, medications, and uncertainty creates a reality that feels far different from the carefree "new" experiences most people think of. Finding ways to cope often involves connecting with others who truly understand this journey, practicing stress management techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness, and working with healthcare teams to address both physical and emotional challenges.

How do you cope with the "new normal" after cancer treatment?

Related Questions