What are tips for getting back to “normal” after treatment ends?
Answer of the day on TalkAboutHealth by @itsthebunk.The first thing I’d say is that the notion of “normal” after treatment ends is something most of us yearn for but not something you can ever *really* attain — especially if you’re hoping to get back to the way things were before you found out you had cancer. Understanding this and learning how to cope with post-treatment recovery is crucial.
You have just been through an enormous trauma, and traumas always have consequences. It’s very important to understand that, and to know that if you feel you need any kind of help dealing with the emotional aspects of recovery, you can start to heal if you get help. There are Oncology Social Workers, Therapists, and other kinds of qualified people who can help you deal with any aftershocks. Ask your doctor for referrals.
Understand that this is a very vulnerable time for you. Most likely you are wishing you could put it all behind you, most likely all the non-cancer patients/survivors in your life are not going to understand how you feel (don’t hold this against them—they just can’t, as they have not traveled in your shoes) and are expecting you to “be all done.” Sorry, but you are not. Now begins the slow process of recovery. Be patient with yourself, be gentle to yourself, find a balance between pushing yourself and giving yourself time to rest. Connect with other survivors and learn how to live in the moment. You get through a difficult moment, you get through another, and next thing you know you’ve made it through the day, one step closer to your “new normal.”
During treatment, your life is structured, you see your medical team regularly, you have a purpose and it can feel like a huge shock to all of a sudden be “out there” on your own. It’s a relief to be done with treatment, but it can feel daunting too. Be aware that you might feel this way—I suggest finding things like a support group, an art-therapy or writing class, etc. through your Cancer Center to meet other survivors and share support. Also look for organizations such ashttp://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/ And, as well as TalkAboutHealth online, there’s a wonderful “Breast Cancer Social Media” chat on Twitter every Monday evening. Follow the hashtag #bcsm and join the discussion. As a matter of fact, we recently addressed this topic!
Just remember that this “New Normal” can and will lead to good things if you are open to it. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but it will probably take you a lot longer to get there than you expected, so settle down for the long haul and breathe deeply. I have done this three times; it might not be fun all the time, but it can be done, and IT DOES GET BETTER.
You have just been through an enormous trauma, and traumas always have consequences. It’s very important to understand that, and to know that if you feel you need any kind of help dealing with the emotional aspects of recovery, you can start to heal if you get help. There are Oncology Social Workers, Therapists, and other kinds of qualified people who can help you deal with any aftershocks. Ask your doctor for referrals.
Understand that this is a very vulnerable time for you. Most likely you are wishing you could put it all behind you, most likely all the non-cancer patients/survivors in your life are not going to understand how you feel (don’t hold this against them—they just can’t, as they have not traveled in your shoes) and are expecting you to “be all done.” Sorry, but you are not. Now begins the slow process of recovery. Be patient with yourself, be gentle to yourself, find a balance between pushing yourself and giving yourself time to rest. Connect with other survivors and learn how to live in the moment. You get through a difficult moment, you get through another, and next thing you know you’ve made it through the day, one step closer to your “new normal.”
During treatment, your life is structured, you see your medical team regularly, you have a purpose and it can feel like a huge shock to all of a sudden be “out there” on your own. It’s a relief to be done with treatment, but it can feel daunting too. Be aware that you might feel this way—I suggest finding things like a support group, an art-therapy or writing class, etc. through your Cancer Center to meet other survivors and share support. Also look for organizations such ashttp://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/ And, as well as TalkAboutHealth online, there’s a wonderful “Breast Cancer Social Media” chat on Twitter every Monday evening. Follow the hashtag #bcsm and join the discussion. As a matter of fact, we recently addressed this topic!
Just remember that this “New Normal” can and will lead to good things if you are open to it. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but it will probably take you a lot longer to get there than you expected, so settle down for the long haul and breathe deeply. I have done this three times; it might not be fun all the time, but it can be done, and IT DOES GET BETTER.
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