How has cancer changed your life?
Cancer has a way of drawing a line through our lives—a "before" and an "after." While the physical journey is often the focus, the internal shifts in how we see the world, ourselves, and our time are often the most profound changes of all.
- How has your perspective on life changed? Are there things that used to feel like a big deal that now seem insignificant, or vice versa?
- How do you see yourself differently today than you did before your diagnosis? Do you feel like a "different person," and if so, what parts of your new self are you still getting to know?
- How has your relationship with time changed? Whether it’s a new sense of urgency to chase dreams or a newfound ability to slow down and find joy in small moments, how are you spending your days differently?
- Sometimes the biggest impact is in the smallest details—hobbies you’ve picked up, a new career path, or even just a change in your daily routine. What is one "small" change that has had a surprisingly big impact on your life?
Having been a "realist" all my life there has been little change to my life other than frequent visits for tests and to see doctors. Life is what it is. I have been 100% positive from the start. It's always in the back of my thoughts at times, many times when I meet others with cancer. As the frequency of doctors' appointments increased in the beginning, it was just a matter of making a small adjustment here and there. Yes, there is a bit of anxiety waiting for results to post. However, diagnosis didn't stop me from living, enjoying my life, exploring and realizing that we control less than we want to believe.
8 years in with highly aggressive Prostate Cancer - surgery, salvage radiation, ADT, countless blood tests, CT scans, Bone scans, PSMA PET scans and doctor visits - I have now been undetectable for 4 years. Recent testing and consultation brings me a reduction in testing frequency and scans only if need is seen. That's nice - every 6 months instead of every 3 months for blood tests.
Even better was to stay on top of everything. Demanding particular tests, arguing with insurance once (I won), and learning of other possible adverse health issues. Some calcium buildup was noted on my coronary artery, and this assisted my cardiologist with setting up preventative care. It identified some arthritis which explained some pain in my feet.
We're all different - in diagnosis, in treatment, in outcome, and especially how we deal with all of it. Connection, discussion, support all very important to move forward.yes, I have a great team of doctors. It helps that I studied medicine with early planning to be a heart surgeon. I also had a father who never shied away from visiting a doctor and understanding the interaction need with a doctor. Being a realist has been a very big help. I never looked for "magic" to cure me. I asked questions, studied and learned about procedures and medications, and listened to what other men's experiences were. I have 9 doctors I'm regularly in contact with along with some friends who are doctors of various specialties. My doctors are all in the loop, so to speak. I actually got referred to as the "Poster Child" at my oncologist's office more than once. I do what I can to assist other men newly diagnosed to get a better understanding. My biggest advice: Be your own best advocate! Learn, ask, learn, be involved, question. Your medical background serves you well. Not only must it help with understanding medical information, but also help with how to communicate with your team. Thanks for sharing. Kathy (Team member)
Cancer has changed my out look of my life. Don't know if or when it will return back into my life/. I keep busy doing what I always do to maintain my home and while working I pause because I feel a pain or an uneasiness hoping it isn't what I dread. Each day I pray and hope I will have a joyful and happy time of what's left for me. I know many of us think and feel the same way but we must go on with our life and just do what we can to be happy and continue to fight and live as we would normally do. Best wishes to all and good luck
Thank you for sharing your experience. Cancer really does change everything, and for many people the goal is accepting the changes instead of trying to go back to the old life. You may be interested in this article by one of our health leaders. Do you have the support you need to be able to live your life to the fullest? All the best, Kathy (Team member)
I feel that cancer (non-hodgkins lymphoma) has pulled more priority into addressing my other health concerns. Before each health concern was just a separate diagnosis from the other. High blood pressure, diabetes, CAD, etc. Now I am seeing a much bigger connection throughout my body between the different systems and seeing how managing one area better impacts the bigger picture.
Thank you for sharing your perspective. There are many complications and comorbidities (simultaneously occurring other illnesses) associated with cancer, so treating one can impact another. Do you have a medical team that will work with each other to handle your health concerns? Warmly, Kathy (Team member) yes, luckily all within the same health system, so communication between all of them is pretty good. Even when I had to see a specialist in a different part of the state, both he and my local oncologist knew each other well. So I am grateful for that.
Hello to everyone on this forum. Yes, cancer changes your life in many ways and the "line in the sand" is a good way to describe it. I have muscle invasive bladder cancer and had a radical cystectomy (bladder removal) with a total hysterectomy and several lymph nodes removed last fall at Mayo. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, but I feel very blessed to be "on the other side" of things right now.
Cancer changes who you are because people see you in a different light. "How are you feeling?" "You look good!" I have a urostomy so you have a totally different body image of yourself (as do others).
It is definitely life changing in that you see yourself in a different life, too! I think of how I will be and where I will be in 5 years or "if" I will still be here. Since I am 73 years old, I feel very fortunate to have lived a long and full life even though I have had other health concerns.
One of my dear friends who also has bladder cancer had a vision to see a Cancer support group for our small community because we know so many folks who have it. We started in January of 2026 and meet once a month. It is emphasized that you might have another long term illness, or you are a caregiver for someone. We encourage everyone to come!! We feel it has been very beneficial and we hope to continue it down the line.
I feel so sad for those who are depressed and feel hopeless and I hope this helps in a small way to know there are so many others who are here to try to lift you up....Thank you for sharing your story. Cancer does really change the way you view yourself. I am so glad you have access to a wonderful support group. Cancer is something that needs the support of others. It makes all the difference! Thanks for being a part of supporting others with cancer, both in your community and here on our site. Warmly, Kathy (Team member)
