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?
I got promoted to service manager of a Toyota dealership in September 2019, after 26 years finally I was loving life, a woman in charge of a large group of technicians. Them January 2020 driving home from work my bra strap fell off my shoulder I went to put it back up and BAM there it was, so large that I could not miss it a lump. The following week was one appointment after another my husband and I were just so busy I felt getting the mamagram then the biopsy 48 hours later sitting at home the call, I am sorry Mrs Patton you have breast cancer I could not tell you what was said next I remember seeing my husband writing a lot of stuff down then he hung up and we held each other and cried for what seemed like a very long time then we started making calls my boss, my friends, my children my son came to the house I told him has there was a house full of people watching us he got upset and looked at me. I promised I would fight hard and until I could no longer fight. I did retired right away
That was almost 7 years ago, I have been on a chemo break oh I am stage 4 de novo met to liver. The chemo has caused such bad neuropathy that I have chosen to quit driving so that has been the hardest not being able to go and get a pedicure or a hair cut, lunch with friends or even go to the bank someone most of the time my husband has to take me.
My husband changed careers so he could be home more to take care of me in the beginning it was rough fans very hard on me so he is a school bus driver so he brings home illness. In one year I got pneumonia twice my immune system was so weak from the chemo that I went into cardiac arrest 41 minutes of CPR 4 shocks to the heart Doctors say it’s miracle I am here. I say I am just not ready to leave yet my babies need me. I love my husband to much
Between my husband and I we have had weddings, and grandchildren were born there have been vacations and family gatherings they are hard for me I don’t know when my last one will be but I do my best not to think like that I try to push the pain away and live in the here and nowYou have been through a difficult 7 years. Living with cancer, as well as other chronic conditions, is not easy. I am glad your husband is there to be your caregiver. Do you have any family gatherings coming soon? All the best, Kathy (Team member)
I was 71 went I was told that I had CLL cancer. It took me 10 months to learn about my cancer and the different medications to treat CLL. My medication cost $15500 which was paid by insurance and a money grant from Leukemia Society. It took me a year to realize that I was normal with all my tests indicating the cancer was controlled. Before cancer I visited the gym 3 times a day and I was very active. After the medication I continued my established routine. Medication has helped me mentally and physically to life a normal life. I think knowledge was a big help to fight my battle and I hope others learn about their health and how to fight their illness so they can have a normal future. Celebrating Long Life (CLL)
Thank you for sharing your story. I am so glad your cancer is controlled and you are able to get back to your routine. All the best, kathy (Team member)
I'm only 37 years old but I feel like I've lived an entire life already if that makes sense.... I look at everything differently now bc it could all be taken just like that without warming!!! All the moments are big moments now.. It's all important to me now.. I'm making memories out of it all that I can! The memory loss doesn't help but I keep trying..
Thank you for sharing. Living with cancer is a challenge, but I'm glad you are doing all that you can. You may be interested in this article by one of our health leaders who talks about how his life has changed. All the best, Kathy (team member)
I'm much more nervous about medical tests. Any time something goes out for extra testing it really sets me on edge. A blood test sent me to an oncologist who found that my MS med can cause cancer. After a discussion with my neuro, I'm not on any MS med now and they are seeing how I do. The oncologist is having me returning to keep watching my blood counts. It never ends! Watching, watching.
, I had Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma. They removed part of my kidney in 2024 and at the 6 month check, there were more masses. So the rest came out in 2025. Now my blood is wonky so it's being watched. That makes sense. I hope for all the best for you. Kathy (Team member)
