Returning to ordinary life – as it was pre-cancer – may be unrealistic for anyone that has experienced a life-threatening illness. Young people living with cancer and those around them have experienced overwhelming hardship that undoubtedly changes their lives. It may be more realistic for survivors of cancer and their loved ones to try and redefine ordinary life and begin living it. Redefining ordinary life after confronting cancer may mean:

• Focusing on the present and hoping for a good future.
• Embracing life and celebrating milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and so on.
• Spending time experimenting with new routines and finding out what works best for all of the family.
• Exploring new opportunities for personal and professional development
• Continuing to work together as a family by finding ways to continue to support each other.
• Being aware of and acknowledging emotions surrounding survivorship like anniversaries of diagnosis, or the death of other young cancer patients who were supportive friends.
• Focusing on the positive changes that have promoted a more enriched lifestyle.
• Becoming a member of CanTeen or another cancer support group.
• Finding a good balance between hope and fear and discovering coping strategies to deal with the unknown.
• Acknowledging the amount of change, loss and grief that has occurred as a result of cancer.
• Sharing personal experiences and helping other young people living with cancer.
• Focusing on living a healthy lifestyle by caring for and being aware of your body.