June is National Cancer Survivors Month. As we gear up to celebrate so many inspirational survivors, it is important to acknowledge that many survivors still have battles to face.
“Just because treatment ends doesn’t mean you’ll be back to normal.” – Unknown
The quote above explains why many people refer to finding a new normal as a major part of life after cancer. The fight against cancer isn’t finished right when someone is told there is no evidence of disease because cancer has an impact on every aspect of someone’s life, including physical, emotional, mental, and social.
Physically
Treatment of any cancer can take its toll on the body and the healing process is different for everyone. Some surgeries may require more restrictions for what you can lift, while others may limit what you can eat. Many FLAG Sisters have shared that they struggle with chronic pain, neuropathy, and more since finishing treatment.
Emotionally and Mentally
On top of healing physically, survivors must heal emotionally and mentally. Facing a life-threatening illness is emotionally draining, to say the least. Many survivors must navigate emotions about:
- Feeling betrayed by one’s body
- Worrying over all of the unknown factors
- Fearing for one’s life
- Feeling anxious about scans
- Fearing the chances of recurrence
- Feeling incomplete when something was removed
- Stressing about the financial responsibilities
Socially
Support systems are very important during the fight against cancer. 
The less support someone has, the more isolating the journey can be. This is especially true with the emotional and mental impact of cancer because certain relationship dynamics may hinder if a person going through cancer can share their true feelings or fears. Keeping those thoughts to oneself can emphasize feeling alone in your fight.
Our FLAG Sisters have also talked about how they were sometimes surprised by the people who did show up and hurt by the ones who didn’t. I can only imagine how difficult it would be to continue to interact with loved ones or friends who didn’t show up for you during your time of need. It may change or ruin relationships even.
Whether loved ones were or were not supportive during treatment, they might not give the same type of support after treatment. It breaks my heart when I hear from FLAG Sisters sharing about how a loved one invalidated their struggles after cancer by saying something like, “Get over it“, or “It’s done, move on“. There isn’t a guaranteed timeline on when someone will feel ‘normal‘ after cancer, and no one’s healing should be rushed or diminished.
Healing
I’d like to believe that as time goes on, at least some aspects of life after cancer get better. Maybe the physical toll isn’t as constant as it once was, or maybe the emotional struggles aren’t as overwhelming with one’s day-to-day routine. Maybe even having groups where warriors, fighters, and survivors can come together and support one another helps with the healing process while also spreading hope.
While the fight may never fully feel over, especially with the fear of recurrence, cancer survivors continue to inspire and empower others.
Thank you to all the cancer survivors. You have shown us what being brave looks like and continue to do amazing things as you live your life after cancer.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
