Just some thoughts...

Lexica

After seeing this Governor Cuomo's statement about having a new normal after COVID, it really struck me how many parallels there are between an individual experiencing a cancer diagnosis and society experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. Worry, anxiety, uncertainty about not only where we truly are with the disease, but where we will be...not knowing if the steps we're taking are the right ones - is it enough, should we do more? Having not enough information while at the same time feeling overwhelmed with information...some if it conflicting and confusing. My surgeon said that the worst part is the waiting and the not knowing. I suppose that is true here, too. While all of that gets better once it's 'over,' it certainly doesn't go away - the effects of a cancer diagnosis linger. There is still anxiety, PTSD, uncertainty - will it come back? If so when, and how? And so much more...hence the dreaded term 'new normal.' I'm wondering how this 'new normal' will look for the world, and if it, too, will resemble that of a cancer survivor's. If it does, we are so far from finished with this nightmare. Here's hoping that we can recognize that, and be prepared for it.

Nana2-8

Very well said. During this latest journey, I have had the same parallel thoughts. Only those of us on this same path can see it. Those only experiencing the COVID journey are all new to these feelings....whereas those of us on these boards know all too well the affects. The same phrase of: We will get through this together....applies to those of us here as well. We are just experiencing the double-whamy of it!

Lexica

So true, Nana!

ThreeTree

Lexica - I have had very similar thoughts too. You have said them all very well, and I don't think I could say it any better!

Thanks for bringing this subject up.

7of9

Good observations. I too have been oddly fascinated as the world and people around me have been brought ( down into this hell... up to our new normal fear, fight or flight stress levels). I am thankful for the women past and present on this board who helped "stabilize" me so I could (almost) get a grip and deal with the shit we've all had to go through.

Been through this crap twice already but the thought of dying alone on a ventilator or my 73 yr old mother going out that way is just b.s. We have to get each other and our loved ones through. It can be done, we are living proof!

Misha13

I’m so glad I got on here today. I’ve been feeling this “discomfort” about all this and reading this thread really makes me feel like I’m not totally alone.

I’m pissed I have to have my life upended AGAIN with the worry and the lack of a definitive timetable for when it will be “normal”. Before cancer, my 12 year old son spent almost 5 months in the ICU for a rare disease. I was diagnosed one month after he got out, so I’m really feeling some resentment that I barely got to have a year off and now I’m scared and worrying about dying again.

Thanks for letting me vent. I’m in a mood. :