The new normal: what life following a cancer diagnosis is often considered.
My life which used to be filled with toddler music class, story time at the library, shuttling to karate classes, visits with friends, the zoo, and the children's museum had been replaced almost entirely with doctor visits, IVs, fatigue, and a general sense of being distracted. I read cancer magazines, books about cancer, and participate on a message forum for young women diagnosed with breast cancer. I have scars and lots of doctors.
As my appointments began to space out and I neared my final Herceptin, I read about how patients often feel happiness mixed with some sadness. The cancer experience is a busy one mixed with not feeling great. Not much else goes on, even in one's mind. The patient is the center of attention at each appointment.
For me, I was ready to be done and have my days back, though it felt a little strange knowing I would have no plans to go back and get more IVs. It had become such a normal activity for me. I looked forward to feeling myself again and losing the gained weight.
It really wasn't until I was feeling rested and done with treatment that I realized how fatigued I had been. I hadn't stopped all our activities at once, they were slowly dropped. I had to try to remember what we had done with our days. I was ready to sign up for activities again and find our friends we hadn't seen.
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