Rebuild some new routines

From the moment we are conceived, routine becomes one of the building blocks of life. We are all encouraged to tick off the milestones – do your best at school, get a job, get married, buy a house, have kids, etc. The list is enormous, but meanwhile routine keeps life in order and us grounded and, hopefully, sane.

Any disruption to this routine causes upheaval, whether good or bad, and we have to adapt quickly to the new routine imposed upon us. Our cancer treatment, aka the new routine, sweeps us along, giving us new milestones to meet, individual to our treatment plan.

That new routine is swept away as quickly as it was imposed. This can be bewildering and frightening. What the hell happens now, we ask ourselves? We haven’t lived our normal lives for quite a while and re-joining is a difficult transition.

Everyone assumes we are ok, but mentally and physically we feel broken and bruised. Acknowledge that and give yourself time. Tell yourself that it’s ok not to be ok and be gentle – you’ve been through a lot. Give yourself the space to get used to your life now. Rebuild some new routines…

Tracey, 59, was diagnosed with oestrogen-driven breast cancer, post-menopause. She lives in the North East of England. Her greatest love is travelling and experiencing new cultures. She also discovered a love of painting during lockdown. Tracey is still working but hoping to retire at 64 so she can travel for as long as she can.