On June 7th, cancer survivors around the world will unite to show the world how life after cancer looks! A cancer survivor is defined as “anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis through the balance of his or her life.”
Today marks the 28th Annual National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD) which provides survivors a wonderful opportunity for cancer survivors to connect with other survivors, celebrate milestones, and recognize family and friends for their support.
I was diagnosed with melanoma just a few months before Alan passed away from mesothelioma. Who ever wants to hear that 5 letter word – cancer! I have to confess, I was terrified, but cancer has changed my life for the better. My top five cancer life lessons are below. And YES, I feel great about kicking the $*#! out of cancer!
With the advancement of research and technology, patients are living longer and a better life. Studies have proven that early detection and cancer prevention is saving lives. The “Cancer survivors in the United States: prevalence across the survivorship trajectory and implications for care” study reported,
“As of January 1, 2012, approximately 13.7 million cancer survivors were living in the United States with prevalence projected to approach 18 million by 2022. Over the next decade, the number of people who have lived 5 years or more after their cancer diagnosis is projected to increase approximately 37% to 11.9 million.”
My top five cancer life lessons are:
- Believe in yourself: Hope and trust are very powerful.
- Live life without regrets: “Live your life, not your cancer.”
- Help others: As Maya Angelou said, “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
- Let people into you life: Family and friends want to give, help, share, and listen.
- Embrace gratitude: Each day is a gift, live in the moment, find your joy.
Elizabeth Kubler Ross beautifully wrote: “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
Enjoy your day and make memories to last a lifetime.
Love,
Linda Reinstein