Part25. Adapting to the New Me after Cancer Treatment

 

A New beginning, life after surviving Cancer.

First off Congratulations to YOU Your CARERS and your Support Crew (Medical, Physical and Psychological)

How do you Start and adjust to life after Cancer?

I experienced a mixture of emotions as I adjusted to my new life after finally being given the "You are now Clear of Cancer".The feeling of relief and thankfulness to my carers, medical crew, supporters, and of course my little mate "Pudddles" my ragdoll cat.

This monumental shake-up and self-appraisal combined with scrutiny of "What Life is about" leads to the next question how should I live my life from now on?

Please excuse me if I come across as "preaching" I do not want to do that I am trying to express MY views after MY Journey.

Definately No.1 Is respect for good health

                   2.Do not take life for granted - it should be treasured.

                   3. Balance- work/life , running your life to the clock, pressure deadlines, stress , and money worries all fade into insignificance after experiencing a near-death experience. It would be irresponsible of me to say downplay your work-life in a quest for happiness, but redefine your work-life to make your life more fulfilling as I am a testament to the old Saying "You only live once".

 

                   4. Appreciate Family and Friends . The importance of them in your life is immeasurable.

                   5. Look at improving your health through exercise and diet . In my case now I have become accustomed to foods that are easy for me to swallow(my carnivore diet is reduced considerably). I am not a walker so instead I focus on dancing and doing odd jobs fixing things. This is a pleasable exercise instead of an endurance course. The odd jobs help me to focus and problem-solve keeping my brain ticking over. After the trauma of cancer, your mind and body have been under relentless attack and you need to work on rebuilding the new ME.

                 6.I know the relief of hearing the words "You are cleared of Cancer" In MY case I did not and will not return to what I was like prior to cancer but as Professor Porceddu put it "You are still here" with a smile. The new ME mantra is "Adjust and Move on" and try to be happy.

In conclusion it is OK to want to forget how bad the cancer journey was and run as far away from the word CANCER as possible as I did for a long time . We are all human and all different in our coping mechanisms but if you feel you need to give back ; remember each day someone is faced with a new Cancer Diagnosis and like you and me they need help !

IT takes a Team Effort to Beat Cancer

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