THE NEW NORMAL

End of Treatment

So now what?, What is next? - You've had your surgery or the last treatment is over - you have stayed the course. You are now out on the other side of the wild ride of cancer treatment, and the dust is settling. The realization hits that your treatment for cancer has finished. Of course, there will be follow-up with your doctors yet you may be left with almost as much uncertainty as you had when you started this journey. You may have a new perspective on life - a desire to live life to the fullest, to give back and/or find your true calling in life. There can be fear, depression, hope, a desire to pursue your dreams all at the same time!

As you move towards a "new normal", it is helpful to examine your thoughts and feelings now.
Click here for a discussion about using the tools to find your new normal.

TOOLS TO TRY

Try and to figure out how to have more good days in your "new normal." Possible issues may include:

  • I have started working again
  • I'm healing - but don't feel 100% - tired, some pain, weight gain, no sex drive...
  • I'm trying to figure out what this experience has meant to me
  • Develop your own survivorship plan

Try or the to problem solve on a specific issue. Possible issues may include:

  • I can't do what I used to do for work or physically, I am frustrated, depressed
  • I'm in pain
  • I am annoyed with all the medications I still take and/or ongoing treatments
  • I want to resume an intimate relationship with my partner; or I want to improve the intimate relationship I have with my partner

Try and to find your path. Possible issues may include:

  • Change my career
  • Change my lifestyle
  • Want to help others through their cancer experience
  • Live a more meaningful life

Try if you are having fears of cancer coming back.

CO-SURVIVORS

"So now what?", "What is next?" These are the questions cancer survivors face.

It is common for supporters to think their job is over - they aren't needed any longer since treatment is over - the cancer is gone.

Rather, the kind of support needed by the survivor changes. As a co-survivor you can help them find their new normal in life. There are a variety of tools listed in this section that help people come to grips with the vision they have for their life now.

Don't forget to think about support you need too. You have been through cancer too as a co-survivor.