Life probably won't ever be the same as it was before the cancer, but it does settle down and continue with a new kind of normal.
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
I used to play badminton and tennis but since my
surgery I am now unable to but have discovered that I am now
enjoying playing golf and have started painting
instead.
Kirsten