I am a SURVIVOR because I am still here and still fighting! Stage IV cancer...9 months of grueling chemo, radiation and other treatments...My future is uncertain... Next year will be a critical test... Meanwhile, I LIVE...happily! 10 things I learned as a cancer survivor: 1. Pity is horrifying, annoying, angering, frustrating... Not for me, not ever! 2. The only grief and guilt you experience is towards your loved ones, you friends, your family! Seeing them suffer is the worst pain I ever felt in my life. 3. Becoming weak and dependent on others, feeling your strength and physical power slip away, asking for help to perform the most basic tasks is the most emotionally and spiritually debilitating experience. 4. You truly dont know your ability, strength, maturity and endurance until being all of these things is your only option. 5. You dont have to try to feel invincible all the time - cry, scream, ponder, blame - mortality is on your doorsteps…at the end of the day, we are all human and our emotions are real! 6. Trust your medical team, but most importantly believe in yourself and listen to your body- the symptoms and your intuition is there to react, respond, ask questions and object to discomfort and confusion. 7. Your friends and family are worried - reassure them, they are often not sure what to say and how to help. Help THEM heal, help them deal with your awful treatments, tell them that you need them and want them in every possible capacity. Appreciate and respect their feelings. 8. Be grateful for everyones love, their casseroles and their stories. Surround your home with positive, encouraging people. Thank them every opportunity you get - and remember they are more scared than you are. 9. Whether you believe in G-d, higher power, religion - allow your friends and family to share their prayers and thoughts with you - most feel helpless - give them a chance to give you the magic, the faith, the blessings - ultimately its a positive energy focused on your recovery. 10. Learn to ignore the small stuff, love from from every cell in your body, take chances and stay positive. Not everyone is fortunate to survive cancer, but every day is a great gift and an amazing opportunity to inspire!
Posted on: Sat, 03 May 2014 04:49:12 +0000
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