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?
My cancer came back with with a vengeance, attacked my lower spine. At first I had a lot of support from my friends and all but then shortly after my surgery, they all seemed to drop away, disappeared. No one texts or calls me anymore and I refuse to be the one reaching out. I’m retired now and I’m lonely a lot. I can’t seem to get into my art or diamond projects. I do pray and read my Bible and books on letting go of people.
we don’t go to church anymore, we have not found one that we like and we can’t seem to find one like it was when we were younger. The old fashioned preaching and singing, the church like we grew up in. We stay in Gods Word and we pray without ceasing. Sometimes we have our own Bible study here at home. and yes I definitely keep up with my mental health!’ I see my doctor tomorrow morning actually.
Cancer has taken so much away from me. I was fired for missing to much time. 34 years as a respiratory therapist at the same hospital. I felt like i lost my identity. I cried more that day than when i found out i had cancer. They were trying to hold my job but just offered it to my soon to be daughter in law. I told her to apply when they said they were going to be interviewing people. I called and ask what that means for me and was told they would give me 20 hours a week no benifits. Im paying over 1400$ a month for benifits. I cant afford to continue paying that and only making 1/2 the money i was. So lost right now in what to do. I want to go back to work but worry because of brain fog and tremors that i will end up killing someone. I could not even pass cpr test . I had been doing it every 3 months for years and i could not think of the answers. So i know i should be happy that i am cancer free at the moment but all the side effects and symptoms just wont go away. Sorry
thank you for sharing. , you're most elcome. I hope you can connect with some help. - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
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)
