How Having Cancer Shaped How I View My Life
My life was turned upside down with my unexpected cancer diagnosis. It was initially difficult to plan for the future. I considered things I would miss or no longer enjoy. I experienced all phases of grieving such as anger and denial. My thoughts focused on setting priorities and not wasting any time.
I am happy to report that I have accomplished many of these activities and the list continues to grow began to think of things I wanted to experience and developed a bucket list.
Enjoying every day
My cancer diagnosis reminds me to never stop enjoying every day and not to take life for granted, as we have no guarantees. I enjoy little moments such as a beautiful sunrise, the sound of birds chirping, ocean sounds, and time spent with my granddaughter. My priorities are my faith, family, and friends.
Opportunities for new experiences have become a focus. These include trips with family, making new friends, trying parasailing, and may now enjoy boating with my husband. The most dramatic change as I consider a new chapter in my life, is moving to the shore. Having cancer and an uncertain future has made me appreciate new opportunities.
How do I want to be remembered?
Sometimes I question: How do I want to be remembered? Am I kind, generous, and caring? Have I told my family that I love them? These thoughts impact my behavior and I try to ensure that my behavior will promote good memories. I have become more impatient and try to improve this defect.
The past cannot be changed, and thoughts of such can be painful, so I try to minimize regrets. I have set new priorities and try to incorporate fun each day and find humor. I make every effort to keep ties with old friends and plan new fun times.
Spirituality has provided me comfort and a new meaning to my life. I renewed my commitment to religion which has improved my quality of life. It provides comfort, social support and helps me cope.
Volunteering has allowed me to give back and provide emotional support and comfort to fellow cancer patients. As a First Connection volunteer for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, I try to help other cancer patients deal with their diagnosis and find joy in life. I know how overwhelmed I felt when diagnosed with cancer and pray that my efforts as a volunteer can help fellow cancer survivors.
I'm constantly adapting
After ten years since my cancer diagnosis, I am constantly adapting to life as a cancer survivor.
I am trying to live with hope. Relationships are very important, and I try to surround myself with positive people and avoid any toxic or troublesome ones. Each day is a gift, I attempt to look at the “big picture” and try “not to sweat the small stuff.”
The uncertainty of my future has helped me reset priorities.
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