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

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