Published May 17, 2022

Kathy Griffin, 61, Jokes That Her ‘New Normal’ Includes Doc Appts, EKG Before Paul McCartney Concert: ‘D-List’ Star Recently Beat Cancer

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Juggling Life After Cancer

Recovering from cancer is all about balance, and listening to your body. Don’t stop doing the things you love, but be sure to rest when you feel you need to, and always consult with a doctor with any new or ongoing symptoms.

Dealing with the aftermath of cancer treatment and surgery can be life-altering, and comedian Kathy Griffin, 61, just can’t seem to get a break. However, as many survivors know, it’s often a slow and steady climb to bounce back from the disease and often times, you won’t be the same person you were before, both physically and mentally.

The Los Angeles-based lung cancer warrior, who beat the disease in December, has had vocal issues due to having half of her lung removed during surgery, and various other issues.

Despite her down days, though, she has squeezed in comedy gigs, red carpet appearances, and most recently, a Paul McCartney concertan important reminder that you don’t have to give up doing the things that make you happy, it’s just life may be a little … altered for awhile.

“This is my new current normal,” she wrote on Instagram with a pic of herself in a hospital bed. “Never know how I'm going to feel. Friday, I had a doctor appointment, EKG, thought I was gonna be knocked out for the day, ended up feeling well enough to do this later on that nightâ€¦Made it to the Paul McCartney concert!!!” Pictures or it didn’t happen, Kathy.

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A post shared by Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin)

Last week, Griffin reported that she was heading out to the documentary premiere of the late legend George Carlin's life. "I couldn't wait to see it another minute. Big night out. I'm wearing underwear and a bra and everything." As people who are recovering from cancer know (not to mention most of us during COVID), wearing undergarments is indeed quite a feat!

'I'm Wearing Bra, Underwear And Everything!' Feisty Kathy Griffin, 61, Has A 'Big Night Out' After Being 'Sick AF' From Post-Cancer Surgery

Fans have been appreciating the optimistic posts from Griffin, and most likely the comic has been appreciating the beautiful support she has been receiving from fans with each and every post.

Do What You LoveEven if Cancer Gets in the Way

Griffin also just shared a video update describing an appointment where she will receive fillers down her throat. “So you guys can make fun of me, I guess I’m getting fillers again,” she quipped. “They’re trying to make one vocal chord more plump so it can touch the other one,” she explained in simple terms.

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A post shared by Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin)

Healing from Lung Cancer

Kathy Griffin, a non-smoker, was diagnosed last August with stage one lung cancer, and had surgery immediately after. Although she has had some setbacks since, the survivor, overall, has been progressing. It is not something that happens overnight.

When healing from lung cancer, it's important to keep close contact with the members of your care team to let them know about the severity of your pain and discomfort, as well as any anxiety and stress that you may feel.

"It's critical after surgery that you do keep active and keep your body in the best possible condition," says Melissa Culligan, a thoracic surgery nurse at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Side Effects: Managing Pain and Discomfort after Lung Cancer Surgery

While Griffin appears to be listening to her body with these recent symptoms, she has also appeared to be back to her active self. Keeping active and overdoing it are two different things. It's all about balance, and listening to your body. Don’t stop doing the things you love, but be sure to rest when you feel you need to, and always consult with a doctor with any new or ongoing symptoms.

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