So you are cruising along in life – working, playing, always assuming there will be plenty of time to do the something you’ve been planning – or dreaming about for another day… after all there’s always tomorrow. But then out of the blue, when least expected and certainly not part of the plan – you hear the words “You Have Cancer.”
These words have been described as shocking, numbing – in fact, monumentally frightening. Almost immediately you find yourself in a dark place trying to navigate through the unknown, the uncertainty and confusion.
Before long, however, your feet, although somewhat unsteady, are back on the ground and you find yourself researching and trying to understand your cancer while discussing treatment options with your doctor. Once treatments end, you realize that the cancer odyssey doesn’t end when treatments are over and in fact, a new chapter in the cancer journey begins.
Survivors now find themselves trying to get back to normal but soon find that life is not as it was prior to cancer. They’re dealing with a new ‘normal’ and a new perspective on life. Today there are more people surviving longer and longer after a cancer diagnosis. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates there are about 14 million people diagnosed with cancer and still alive. So how does a diagnosis that threatens one’s mortality change a person? After interviewing a number of survivors, most felt that they have changed spiritually and emotionally and have found new meanings and appreciation in life.
Survivors find that while a cancer diagnosis makes you realize how vulnerable you are, at the same time it helps you discover an inner strength which you never realized before. This new found strength remains after treatment and it is indeed this strength that brings a greater sense of resiliency and courage to life. It is this courage that helps you make changes to reduce stress in life, or to try new positive experiences which were once deemed unattainable, ultimately leading to a more meaningful, mindful and balanced life.
The fear of a cancer recurrence is real and can sometimes become intense. Unexpected aches or pains are a serious concern. Certain events such as a medical tests, a cancer anniversary or even a birthday can cause anxiety. Hearing of a friend diagnosed with cancer or a cancer reoccurrence can be frightening.
Focusing on health and wellness becomes a priority. Efforts are made to eat healthy meals and avoid toxins that seem to be ever present. While in many cases, energy levels are not what they were prior to cancer, many survivors are doing their best to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. Spending time enjoying nature and being mindful of environmental concerns can be part of this lifestyle.
Life is fragile. The beautiful yet terrifying lesson that a cancer diagnosis teaches us is that life is short, time is precious and holds no guarantees.
Embrace the love of family and friends. Learn to laugh and not take life so seriously. Every moment of every day is so very precious. Cancer forces us to step back and think about priorities and what is important and in the end it is the simple magnificence of being alive today!
