Can I Find Happiness Again After Cancer?

Some of it may be grief some of it is the cancer and/or treatments itself. It can get better with time. Take the naps when you need them. Exercise when you can. Be sure to build a good support system for yourself. Let people know how you're feeling. Keep moving forward😃 happiness is still there.

Thank you!

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!” 🤪

Hi Sue! I can definitely relate to this! I was always active, camping, hiking, cycling, mt. Biking. Then I was diagnosed with throat cancer. I lost 35+lbs I was exhausted and weak. I couldn’t stand up on my own without holding on to something and pulling myself up. I started setting small goals for myself in different activities. I started using a small cycle trainer. 5-10 minutes working my way up to 1hr. if I can do 5squats today maybe I can do 8 tomorrow, then 10 the next time. I did the same with leaning push ups, 5 turned into 75 same with squats. Then I picked up a used mountain bike from marketplace. My average ride when I was cycling regularly was 40+miles. My goal was, if I can get to 25 (no matter how long it takes) I can get back to 40. I’m proud to say that last week I got to 30. Setting small short term goals make it possible. I know that this journey is a marathon and I’m in it for the long haul.there is no easy way out of this, every day is a fight. A Positive mindset, will, and determination will help you through! Stay positive, stay strong! “Don’t Let The Bad Days Win!”

Thank you Richard. You definitely have a positive approach and it’s helpful!

So! .. Is it a second chance? a new beginning? Or a redirection? This is your journey, you are in charge, no one can do it for you. You’ll have days you don’t think that you can do anymore. These are the times that require your inner strength, your will, your determination. Everyone that has experience cancer knows that the person that started the journey, is not the same person that comes out on the other side, regardless of stage, type, or treatment. “Don’t Let The Bad Days Win!”

Hi Richard I had some questions when you are free

Hi Nicole! 👍

O my god I so feel the same way! I don’t know the answer but you hit me directly. I wish I could help. Let’s learn together if you want.

Nectar powder for electrolytes and hydration and no sugar protein shakes will help fight chemo side effects and of course, prayer and faith in the master physician Jesus Christ 🙏🏻❤️

Yep. It’s like trying to find your way out of a dark forest with a good scout master up ahead❤️🙏🏼

Omg I have been on 1,000,mg of Abiratrone for 30 days daily and it is an experience that is weird to my body and they say it’s going to be for a long period. I feel Vivian’s experience but with no scout master ahead. I’m new and my doctor’s 4 ea hasn’t talked to me yet. I don’t feel good. Sleeping, nausea, no appetite and aching. They say it’s aggressive cancer and that’s the reason for the dosage. Of course with prednisone. I’m tired and I will figure it out. Wish you all well! And Praying for you all. 😘

My wife passed a couple of months prior to my diagnosis and I’m going to give it my best shot with the doctor’s and if it doesn’t work out I get to be with my wife! My friend asked me why am I so chill about things and I said I’m with my wife one way or the other.

I have a big month and a half ahead of me. From surgery to 28 days of radiation to a bunch of other visits @ 40 so after mid October I’m ready for the Fall. Just give me a bucket 😀

I’m so with you on the doctors. It’s difficult to share this hard journey with well doctors who lead active medical teams in and out of my life, who go on vacations, who are not available when I feel sick on the weekend or a holiday, and who enjoy a salary and professional status that is now beyond my capacity to ever shoot for again. I am respectful of my doctors but some days it’s very hard to feel aligned with how big and fancy all their treatment looks and how very small my need to look just a little normal feels.

My whole thing has changed. I’m supposed to be on radiation now for 28 days but not. I asked if I can go on a vacation while I’m kinda ok with my son’s to Alaska for a cruise and doctor said no and I will talk to you on the 17th. I have seen my psa test and now I understand it went from 48.80 to 1.11 and now 4.9 so something is wrong like my aggressive cancer is stronger than they thought I guess. My oncologist pharmacist was talking to me the other day checking on me and said they are probably going a different direction with me. She couldn’t tell me and said wait until the 17th. I can only guess, I have an idea and I don’t think I’m going on a vacation with my sons. I have been down sick 5 days of this week in all aspects nausea, throwing up, weak and then I get a couple good days. I like the a lot of sleep part. I’m curious about what he has to say on the 17th. I’m sorry but I really hate this and the decisions I’m going to need to make. Cancer sucks!

Well it does suck, my strength comes from the Lord , trust in his plan and realize we win either way. The body in sin and flesh and will one day be used up, but our spirit and eternal life in heaven will be so much more than we can imagine. Praise Jesus on good days and bad days and trust his plan.

Thank you Mark. I prayed a lot when my wife was dying 6 months ago and she passed in my arms. Soon after her passing I was diagnosed and still praying. My diagnosis is getting worse and I will focus on emptying my house. I have already done a will and trust. I will keep praying but it’s not looking good for me. They gave me 5-7 years when everything was going good and now it’s not. I don’t know what to say anymore. I will deal. Love you people and wish you all the best. Cancer and my life sucks.

I’m thinking I’m not the most positive person to be on this site, everyone I have lost and everything going on. I want to thank everyone and this site for helping and providing support. I wish you all the best. My heart has been and still is wishing you a good outcome and prayers in your journey. So I’m leaving the site. Love you all Michael!

Room for everyone here Michael. Hang on, don’t give up. Nobody with cancer judges somebody with cancer. Wish you safe journeys forward. See Alaska!

Michael, it’s okay. Stay with us

Hang in there, bro

What you're experiencing sounds very much like grief, and these feelings are incredibly common among cancer survivors who are adjusting to changes in their physical abilities and energy levels. Many people do find happiness again after cancer, though it often looks different than before - sometimes involving new ways of finding joy and meaning that honor both your changed circumstances and your resilience. Consider connecting with others in the community who may have walked a similar path, as their experiences could offer valuable insight and hope.