Five Tips for Transitioning to Thriving

Being declared cancer-free is something to be celebrated, but for many patients, with that milestone also comes a flood of mixed emotions – joy, anger, relief, sadness, and even guilt. As a patient, the end of cancer treatment often signals the beginning of fully processing your cancer experience. You’ve spent the last couple of months, even years, living treatment-to-treatment. Transitioning from patient to survivor and starting to define your new normal can be an overwhelming period. Below are five tips to help make that transition smoother.

Be open and accepting of where you are emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Keep an open mind about what life looks like for you after cancer. Don’t impose expectations on yourself; rather, embrace the journey and give yourself time to adjust and process. Here’s information on different shapes that life after cancer can take.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your existing support network.

People want to help. If you aren’t sure how to let people help you, make a list and share it with your community so they can lend a hand. Here are 20 ideas to get your list started.

Look for established support groups.

Talk to your local Texas Oncology practice about what resources are available to you in your own community. Having a supportive, safe place where you can vent and share your feelings can be cathartic.

Seek help from a professional.

Seeking help from a professional is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. If you are having a difficult time, reach out to your local Texas Oncology practice for a referral to a mental health professional.

Be patient with yourself.

Treat yourself like you’d treat a friend. We’re often harder and more impatient with ourselves than we’d be with friends or loved ones. Extend those same courtesies to yourself and allow yourself time to heal.