Georgia's Online Cancer Information Center

Being Well: A New Normal

The phrase, "A New Normal" has different meanings to everyone. For many survivors, the new normal is the life experience felt after receiving a cancer diagnosis. For some this experience begins immediately after diagnosis and for others, it may begin after treatment. Some survivors may experience a new normal physically where some may experience it mentally or emotionally. For all survivors, a new normal takes careful consideration and care. In our latest cancer survivorship needs assessment, we found that 26% of Georgia survivors, responded that they need help with defining a new sense of normal and 22% needed help with having a sense of wellbeing.

Your New Normal

The new normal you may look like:

  • Appearance changes
  • Changes in what you can eat and drink
  • Not being able to enjoy previous hobbies and activities
  • Various emotional and spiritual triggers
  • Fatigue
  • Mouth sores
  • Weight gain or weight loss

What you can do:

  • Speak with your provider team.
    • Ask questions such as:
      • How long will it take for to recover from surgeries, treatment side effects etc.?
      • What are pain management and rehabilitation options?
      • Are there emotional support services available?
  • Create movement to the best of your ability. Exercise has physical and emotional benefits. Speak with your provider about what your limitations are. Once approved try exercises like:
    • Bike riding
    • Resistance Training
    • Yoga
    • Walking
  • Join a support group.
    • Many survivors cope with their new normal by speaking with others that are on the same journey. Find a support group near you by asking your providers office, searching the association/non-profit for your type of cancer or by searching on the Georgia CORE's resource look-up tool.

Last Updated: 10/29/2020 12:06:43 PM

Additional Resources

For Survivors

Survivorship

Alabama embryo ruling may have devastating effect on cancer patients

Cancer patients concerned about their fertility and oncologists are expressing shock and anxiety about the recent ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court that frozen embryos are considered children under the law.

3/05/2024

Georgia CORE

 

Advancing Cancer Care through Partnerships and Innovation

Georgia CORE is a statewide nonprofit that leverages partnerships and innovation to attract more clinical trials, increase research, and promote education and early detection to improve cancer care for Georgians in rural, urban, and suburban communities across the state.