Ongoing Wellbeing

As eager as you may have been during treatment to “get back to normal,” there probably came a time when you recognized that the life you would achieve after treatment wouldn’t be exactly the same as the life you led before cancer.

Cancer changes you. That realization may be difficult to accept at first. Yet, many cancer survivors discover something illuminating in the physical, emotional, and spiritual changes they experience. They move on to a “new normal” in which their perspective on how to live life has relaxed, broadened, and perhaps even shifted, enabling them to find joy and a sense of ongoing well-being.

Some call this the “gift” of cancer. Although it’s hard to imagine something worthy emerging from something so terrible, that gift may be found in the wonderful people who support you or a decision you make to pursue a long-held dream or new interest. You may find that you are more open to consider possibilities or see opportunities than you were before.

Perhaps you feel more anxious or depressed than you did before. Such feelings are not uncommon. Talking with a counselor or therapist is important for helping yourself begin this new phase. You might not use the word “depression” to describe your emotional state right now, but depression could be influencing your feelings or responses. To learn more about the signs of depression, go to Major Depression.

Your “new normal” also may bring better awareness of your body’s strengths and weaknesses. To nurture your physical and emotional recovery, you’ll want to develop a plan to sustain your health and promote wellness. Before cancer, you may have been less attentive to such things.

To strengthen your health and well-being, focus on:

• Quitting smoking (if one technique doesn’t work, try another—most people need several tries before they quit for good);
• Improving your nutrition (eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains);
• Increasing physical activity (take short walks or move your arms or legs in bed);
• Limiting alcohol.

For more on nutritional well-being and how to eat more healthfully in recovery, go to the Nutrition Section.

For more information about increasing your physical activity, go to Designing an Exercise Program.

Nourishing your soul is also part of the “new normal” for many people. You might find that writing in a journal helps you reflect on your feelings, express fears and hopes, gain perspective, and find peace. Perhaps you started keeping a journal while in treatment, or are just beginning one now.

Consider journal writing similar to a private conversation with a trusted friend. You can write daily, or just when you want to. Journaling can promote and strengthen your emotional healing in recovery. For more information about writing in a journal, go to Journaling.

In the same way, using affirmations — positive statements about your strength and capabilities — can be uplifting. Find or create phrases or brief sayings that have meaning for you. Repeat them to yourself, or post them where you will see them, several times a day. Affirmations can be another beneficial form of spiritual nourishment. For some examples of affirmations, go to Affirmations. 

You may choose other ways to reinforce your ongoing emotional well-being. Some people use prayer, meditation, or explore their spirituality through different methods. Your cancer experience may have left you feeling less spiritual than you once did, so you might draw emotional strength from your relationships with others. Many cancer survivors turn to helping each other — gaining well-being both by giving and receiving emotional support.

To connect with others in the online community at Caring4Cancer, go to Online Community.