The New Normal

Rocquie
Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1

This is a term I have been hearing a lot. What, if anything, does it mean? Or is it just a trendy buzz-phrase? When I googled it, I learned there is even a TV show by this name. Urban Dictionary defines New Normal as:

The current state of being after some dramatic change has transpired. What replaces the expected, usual, typical state after an event occurs. The new normal encourages one to deal with current situations rather than lamenting what could have been.

By this definition, I have had many New Normals--graduation, moving away from parents' home, marriage, moving to another state, death of a loved one, children leaving home, new jobs, lost jobs, change of religion. I guess these are normal "New Normals". There seems to be no preparation for living after a diagnosis and treatment for lymphoma.  

For the most part, I think I have done really well taking it all in stride--side-effects of treatments, dealing with fatigue and residual pain, looks challenges, shrugging off boorish statements made by other people, isolation, re-examination of life choices, finding new ways to socialize.

My biggest challenge continues to be uncertainty in daily living. I wonder if I will ever go a day without thinking about what I have been through. It is so hard for me not to be paranoid with every little twitch and symptom, whereas before I wouldn't have flinched. As I continue into my 2 years of Rituxan maintenance infusions, will I be able to incorporate that into a new normal? Is this the New Normal?

Have you reached a New Normal? How has your Normal changed? How have you adjusted? What was most difficult? Easiest?

Hugs to all,

Rocquie

 

 

 

Comments

  • Ailidh
    Ailidh Member Posts: 52
    #2
    I'm so glad you posted this,

    I'm so glad you posted this, and I look forward to hearing people's replies. I'm waiting for my new normal to make itself clear. I finished chemo and radio on July 16th this year, and was confirmed in remission the following month. At that point I hadn't heard of new normal, I assumed I'd just be the same as I was before. Unfortunately, the week before the radio finished, I was struck with anxiety, depression and insomnia, so so far my new normal has been dealing with that. I am hoping my new normal will be a lot more sparkly than that!

    Good luck as you grow into yours..

  • COBRA666
    COBRA666 Member Posts: 2,401 Member
    #3
    NEW NORMAL

    The new normal covers a wide area. It can be anything from psychological problems, tiredness, lack of energy(the biggest complaint), dry skin, sleepless nights, etc. Things you feel you never had before your diagnosis. Problems that may have already been there but never noticed because it was all part of everyday life. The slightest pain you may get sets off a signal in your head that it may have returned. Being a little more less energetic one day sets off a signal in your head that it's back. It's all a mix of things you feel mixing with your psychological outlook. At least that's the way I see it.  John 

Discussion Boards