Navigating Life After Cancer Treatment: A Survivor’s Guide to the New Normal – Written by a cancer survivor from personal experience. Wishing you find the beauty in cancer like I did. #TheBeautyInCancer
Navigating Life After Cancer Treatment: A Survivor’s Guide to the New Normal
Cancer survivors often speak of the moment their treatment ends as the beginning of their journey towards a “new normal.” This term encapsulates the complex reality many face after cancer treatment, including ongoing physical and emotional challenges and the lingering shadow of recurrence. This article explores practical strategies for managing life after cancer treatment, informed by credible research and grounded in a holistic approach to wellness written by a survivor.
Adjusting to the New Normal
The end of cancer treatment does not mean the end of cancer’s impact on our lives. Many, like myself, face long-term effects such as PTSD and cognitive changes, often referred to as “chemo brain.” 3 years out, and chemo brain is still a thing. It is very frustrating. Emotional and mental health challenges can also persist, with feelings of anxiety and depression being common.
Here are some tips that can help:
- Stay Active: Regular physical activity can help reduce fatigue and improve mental health.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can enhance cognitive function and emotional stability.
- Regular Check-ups: Ongoing medical care is crucial to manage long-term side effects and monitor for recurrence.
Managing Post-Treatment Challenges
The journey after treatment can also include managing symptoms like lymphedema, neuropathy, and menopausal symptoms due to hormonal therapies or hysterectomies. In addition, Sexual health can be significantly affected, such as changes in libido and physical discomfort.
Here are some tips that can help:
- Lymphedema Management: Engage in prescribed physical therapy and wear compression garments if recommended. Both have helped me significantly.
- Addressing Neuropathy: Consult with a neurologist, physical therapist, or try Neurofeedback.. Neuropathy is very common. I have not experienced this I believe due to all the additional things i did during treatment to avoid it.
- Hormonal Balance: This has been a fun one for trial and error. I suggest looking into Bioidentical HRT when safe.
- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: I had never heard of this, but wow, I’m Mind-Blown at how it helped!
Embracing Life and Health Post-Treatment
Post-cancer life is not just about managing physical symptoms but also about nurturing emotional health and well-being. It’s essential to acknowledge and address the psychological scars of cancer, such as the fear of recurrence and the impact on one’s identity and relationships.
Here are some tips that may help:
- Support Groups: Joining a cancer survivor group can provide emotional support and valuable coping strategies.
- Professional Counseling: Therapists specialized in post-cancer care can offer strategies to manage fears and rebuild one’s sense of self. I find SOMATIC and EMDR therapy to be interesting.
- Diet and Supplements: A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and possibly supplements, as advised by a nutritionist, can aid physical recovery and overall health. I have found these to be very beneficial.
Surviving cancer is a monumental achievement, but the journey doesn’t end with treatment; I wish it did! By embracing a holistic and integrative approach to post-treatment life, we can find strength and even beauty in continued recovery. Engaging in a supportive community, staying informed about health options, and maintaining an active lifestyle are all crucial steps in managing the complexities of life after cancer. Remember, each journey is unique, and finding what works best for your body and mind is key to thriving in your new normal.
If your story may help to shed some light in the darkness like mine, Share using #BeautyInCancer, #_TheRealStephanieWeeks
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