You're absolutely right. Sometimes it's difficult to be grateful for life when it isn't the life we once knew, but I think trying to keep the "I'm still here" attitude is essential. I've struggled with that a lot, but reading your response definitely reminds me that this is still life. It isn't what I knew. It isn't what I expected. It isn't what I was prepared for. But it is still life. I also agree that part of cancer care should include a spiritual component. Whether we're religious people or not, we are all experiencing that existential crisis and there is very little focus on that. You're also correct about our culture. I do feel like some people look at my situation or hear my story and expect me to have fully rebounded by now. The worst is over, right? Why am I not over it? I've been fortunate enough to have the majority of people in my life express their understanding (as well as confusion) about my current struggles, but I've also had people act as if what I'm going through now can't possibly be as bad as what I've already gone through. That just isn't the truth of the situation. I still struggle as much today (if not more) as I did when I first had surgery or when I was in the midst of my radiation. I think continuing this talk amongst ourselves as cancer patients and survivors is pivotal. Hopefully, we can continue to support each other until our treatments include the proper support...and beyond. Even if we don't necessarily need to talk about these issues with one another anymore I think having this community of patients and survivors is important for all of us.

Jump to this post