Cancer Is The Best Thing That Has Ever Happened To Me

My oncologist has a plaque in his office that reads, "Every Journey Has Its Blessings." I feel blessed by the wonderful people I've met on my journey, doctors, friends and complete strangers, and their amazing kindness. My wonder at the kindness I've experienced has made me a better person.

I think we're defined by the difficulties we overcome. We're at our best when we have to rise to the occasion. We need challenges to become the very best we can be. Rolling over Stage 4 breast cancer like a tank has revealed strength I never knew I had.

There have been some very dark times. I've had setbacks that made me believe my time was very short. I would lie in bed at night staring into the darkness. Some people find religion at such a time; what I felt was an overwhelming need to be part of something that would survive my physical death. It strengthened my feeling of connection to everyone struggling with cancer. It strengthened my resolve to keep other people from dying of cancer by making it known that all cancers start as infection so that a cure can be found.

I saw an author on a talkshow recently who had written a book about her cranky, pessimistic approach to her own cancer treatment and how she thought all the talk about improving cancer survival by being positive and upbeat was a load of crap. I can (sort of) see her side because I've certainly been pessimistic about my chances of survival.

There's a lot of research that has shown that positive attitudes strengthen the immune system and enhance survival with cancer. Research has shown that women with breast cancer and men with AIDS have significantly longer survival when they attend support groups. Read the book, "Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life" by David Servan-Schreiber for more proof.

The thing is, you have to GRIEVE! You have to grieve for the hopes and plans you had for your future life and for the excellent health you had and for the fear of pain and helplessness. When you reach a point of acceptance of the drastic change in your life, REBOUND! Start kicking butt, starting with your own. Never stop fighting. I'm often told to live in the moment, but I can't. I have to keep fighting. I wouldn't still be here if I didn't.

The important thing is that you have to grieve and you are entitled to it. Have a good wallow - you deserve it. Then kick some butt.

Let's get cancer cured so no one has to endure those long, dark nights.