What cancer has taught me?
Here’s a piece of free advice: stop counting your days, enjoy each day instead. It’s not coming back again!
You may think I’m crazy – well, yes you may be right! But, don’t say because my cancer is not malignant unlike others, it is easy for me to say this. There is no such thing as “easy life” with cancer. Yet, I tried to live a normal life while facing cancer 3 years ago. How did I do?
I continued doing simple routines when I was facing cancer.
That routine started when I was determined to claim and accept that I had cancer. Then, I decided to move on while facing cancer.
When you have cancer, living each day to the fullest means:
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Staying involved in the duties and pleasures of daily life.
Well, I simply hang out with families and friends but this part was not the easiest. I was still very private. I was not very sociable because my mind was still very occupied. But I was trying.
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Returning to work if possible.
I returned to work the day I went out of the hospital – seriously.
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Making plans for the future.
My immediate plan is only to travel to Hong Kong and meet my best friend! Well, for a cancer patient, they always say the words, “In case…” In case, my life will not be extended, I did what I badly want to happen!
Starting a blog was never in my mind during that time. All I just did, I find writing as a coping tool while I was on my cancer journey. I love to write and share to the public. I write when I want to resent and share how painful I was experiencing at that time. I write to also inspire and encourage somebody else.
Live a little each day.
Let me share to you some cancer patients who live its life to the fullest despite how tremendous the pain they feel emotionally and physically.
Megan dances her way while facing cancer and its treatments.
Five-year-old Solomon Haufano was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumor. He is not allowing this cancer to slow him down, however. He has been dancing his way through treatment and putting smiles on all the people around him.
Instead of sulking about her cancer diagnosis, this mom decided instead to dance it away. Since discovering tumors on her uterus and spleen, fitness fanatic Ana-Alecia Ayala said she’s been in and out of the hospital for various treatments. During her in-patient chemotherapy treatments, Alaya can be seen dancing throughout the session. During a recent session, they learned the routine to the latest dance craze, Zay Hilfigerrr’s and Zayion McCall’s “Juju on That Beat”.
Living with cancer means not only counting your days until your death but also how to live the rest of your life — whether it is long or short.
Take care of daily duties and do things that are fun with your loved ones. Both are needed for a full life. And when you can, think about what makes life rich and meaningful for you.
My name is Cielo, the author of “The Cancer Voice Asia”, a blog that aims to support and inspire anyone who is facing cancer. I know how it feels to be diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of cancer, Leiomyosarcoma, at the age of 29. I know the challenges, the fears, the hopes, and the joys of living with cancer. I want to share my story with you and connect you with others who understand what you are going through. Together, we can empower ourselves and fight against the disease. Join me on this platform and let’s make our healing journey a meaningful one.
