Paradigm Shift in Thinking: Living with metastatic melanoma

Agreed, we share the same shift from having a metastasis to living, living with it. Something about that moment of self-discovery was transformative. My paradigm shift took about a year. My nerves and feelings went from worst-life to best-version-of-self within a year. I am five years in on this cancer journey. First year went from bad to worse, bad karma everywhere. My last four years have been wonderful in so many ways. From family and friendships to wellness and wellbeing my quality of life has improved.
Much joy my friend.

@grammato3 Thank you for sharing ❤️‍🩹 What a great post.

I am living with stage 4 appendix cancer and have been NED coming up for 3 years. My cancer isn’t currently curable.

100% agree with the emphasis on living. It may be a different life from before cancer came into our lives but it’s a life to be well lived within any restrictions we may have ♥️

I'm so heartened to hear from others who have this mindset! And look at this longevity....3 years, 5 years of living so productively and harmoniously with a diagnosis some may otherwise choose to tiptoe around and feel disempowered by. I do feel by our letting go of what we can't control, managing what we can, prioritizing the quality of life, finding joy and happiness in even the smallest of delights spreads to those around us - and even, who knows? - the molecules within us! I understand, it's challenging when we feel fatigued, or are in pain, or hear of a set back - but ideally we can work to keep those incidents at bay.

I tend to take the "middle path" on most things; basically, not being overly positive or catastrophizing things but staying on middle ground of accepting whatever may come my way. I guess we all have to find what works for us, happy to have found some compatriots here!

Thank you for all these comments surrounding a “Paradigm Shift.” Truly inspirational to see how positive one can be. Blessings.

" I don't view myself as HAVING metastatic melanoma, I am LIVING with metastatic melanoma. " Profound.
I wondered why I have been feeling lighter and energized, even though I have incurable endometrial cancer. Thank you for articulating this feeling for me.

I have an incurable blood cancer, currently under treatment. And also on daily peritoneal dialysis for end stage renal disease, and cannot qualify for a kidney transplant. All this means treatment for life for both issues.

To maximize my quality of life my medical team, which includes me, makes decisions to have everything work together and help me. We could be more aggressive in the cancer treatment, but the probable side effects would be a detriment to my quality of life. I want quality not quantity. In July 2024 we changed up the type of fluid used for dialysis, which has dramatically increased my quality of life. Different days can be a struggle, or a challenge. Together we are making choices and decisions, willing to make adjustments as we can. The acceptance that I live with these conditions was hard-fought, insightful, and brought peace of heart and mind.
Ginger

Ginger, thank you for sharing your story - that sounds like very intense treatment you’re undergoing. Being a respected and integral part of the decision making team must have helped you achieve this level of comfort and acceptance - and focusing on quality is not only admirable but often vital. It’s not always easy for people dealing with chronic or terminal illnesses to arrive at such a place. Your perspective is inspiring.

That is so great to hear! May I quote a small portion of this? "wellness to wellbeing and quality of life has improved"

That is a great way to frame it: different life, but one well lived. Would you mind if I referenced that?

Reference works good.