b'Q&A Cancer - Alight Integrative CareTHE CAMPAIGN FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIESReclaiming their lives Finding Your New Normal is a donor-supported program that helps cancer survivors keep anxiety at bay as they step into the next phase of their lives.When Nichole, Jennifer and Angela first met (opposite, leftAs moms juggling family life, how has it been dealing with to right), they were past the hard stuff. The shock of thecancer while staying strong and vibrant for your kids?diagnosis. The treatments. The surgeries. By all accounts, they were cancer-free and ready for their lives to go backAngela: A lot of other patients were empty nesters and to normal.grandparents, but thats very different from having young kids at home. Im a mother of two. My daughter is 11 and But each woman had the same feelings wash over her inmy son is 9. I worked to be positive all throughout my the aftermath of the past year. While they were deeplytreatments for my kids. But when I was done, I thought, thankful to be cured, cancer was hardly in the rear view.What just happened to me?They felt fearful about recurrence, and surprisingly depressed. Their loved ones celebrated their new health,Jennifer: My official diagnosis came on Sept. 30, 2022. but they couldnt seem to access joyful feelingsand that,These dates you dont forget. They just sit in your mind. in turn, led to guilt. Angela: So true. I got my diagnosis on MLK Day in 2022. They all faced a similar question: What is their new normal and how do they find it? Jennifer:I was told I had bilateral breast cancer: a very aggressive cancer in my left breast and a very lazy breast This is precisely the goal of Cone Healths program forcancer in my right breast. I dont like to be called lazy, but cancer survivors, aptly named Finding Your New NormalI am happy for my cancer to be called that! I opted for aor FYNN. Backed by the Alight Program Fund, FYNNdouble mastectomy and didnt think twice about it. I had consists of a six-week session that assists cancer survivorssurgery on Nov. 15, the day after my son turned 12. We in moving forward with a newfound sense of confidence,purposely waited until after his birthday. control and community.Nichole: When my doctor told me, You have cancer, I said, The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, includingNo, I do not have cancer. I only take possession of things I nutrition, emotional well-being, stress management andintend to keep. I have this phone. I have this purse. But the addressing lingering side effects. Special guests providecancer is yours and youre going to take it. I had to keep a survivors with valuable insights, and long-term survivorspositive attitude, especially for my youngest. He has social share their experiences of life years after recovery. Medicalpragmatic communication disorder and we made sure experts are available to answer questions. he didnt know until my treatment was over. He saw me Since meeting one another through FYNN, the womengoing through the process, but I never put a name to it. I have stayed in touch. Early on, they would linger in thecontrolled the narrative for him.Wesley Long Cancer Center parking lot to continue theirThe FYNN program is essential in helping patients cope talks. That turned into a text thread, coffee meetings and,with the emotional toll of the cancer journey. Did you eventually, a joint decision to become Alight Guides personally face moments that felt especially tough or mentors for newly diagnosed cancer patients. Supportchallenging during your experience?networks like FYNN and Alight Guides are crucial to recovery. Donors can help expand these vital servicesNichole: During my cancer journey, one of the hardest that make a measurable difference in fighting disease andthings was looking at myself in the mirror when everything achieving wellness. that I thought made me beautiful was gone. I had no hair.the giving effect202321'