For Cancer survivors only?

Question

How have your priorities changed since you were diagnosed?

I was diagnosed in Feb, and looks like it was surgical removal, but still in the surveillance period.

I am astonished at how unwilling I am now to put up with cr@p from other people. I have always considered myself a cordial and gracious person, but WOW has that changed. I don't get rude, I just get away! I am so much closer to my husband and daughter, and I am amazingly, much more tolerant of them than I am the rest of the populace.

I even quit my job. The office was so bad, it put the word "fun" in "dysfunctional". Not really the best time to be without insurance, but was able to Cobra for now. Start the new job in October.

Answer 1

I am a "cancer survivor". I was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx in the last ( 4th ) stage. None gave me a chance to survive as the cancer was spreading. That was six years ago - but then a lot of changes did come over me since then - I have become more tolerant, I have become extremely close to both my sons and my lovely wife. I have learnt how to LIVE LIFE in the true sense of the word. Its been six years since I have had a sip of water or anything to drink or eat anything solid orally ( from my mouth ) as my food and air passages are totally blocked. I "eat" and drink through a tube in my stomach and breathe through a hole in my throat.
IWith all these problems, I lead a very active life - keep away from smokers and drinkers, run 4 km every morning, hit the gym for an hour every evening, work normally and have clawed back to my earlier weight. I had dipped from 78 kilos to 35 and have had more then twenty five surgeries and four major ones where the doctors did not give me a chance.
I look at life in a very positive way - if I did have the cancer - it was ment to be. Its been six years now and nothing I do can turn the clock back- so why keep mourning with the "why me?" thing and start living life to its fullest.

Answer 2

In June, I found out I have Ovarian Cancer. Since then I've gotten a low tolerance meter too. Also a new attitude toward everyday things and It's liberating. I don't sweat the small stuff. Some of my earlier fears I see as stupid and trivial, like singing while driving and worried other drivers would think I was talking to myself -who cares? Thinking it didn't look right to have the music in my car with too much bass like some teenager -who cares? If I want to swing my hips while walking, in the scheme of things, who really gives a sh*t?
I applied for a job I've wanted, all the reasons I talked myself out of doing it before are stupid!! I was worried about buying a house because it's just me, forget that, I'm seeing a lender Friday!!!
I believe we do become different people, for the better? maybe. Maybe we've had the gray glasses slapped away and are seeing the world in color. Every body enjoy your life!!

Answer 3

My WHOLE outlook on life has changed since I was diagnosed, treated and survived breast cancer 9 yrs ago.
I stop and enjoy the rainbows, cloud formations, a silly fly buzzing around the room. I stop to enjoy my family more. I don't care about the job and money as much..yeah, I need them both, but I now know that when I'm gone there will be someone else to do that same job.
I am almost happy that I was given this cancer because it was a BIG wake up call for me and my entire family.

Answer 4

the best of luck to you with your new job. I am a 30 year breast cancer survivor and I made changes to my life back then by changing my eating habits. 3 years ago I had reconstructive surgery and now have lost over 70 lbs. My attitude before was to try and act as though nothing had changed. Now with my cleavage back and a smaller size(from 22 down to 10/12) I have changed. I am a member of a survivor support group and tell as many people as possible that cancer does not have to kill you. I enjoy life probably in ways I should not(all good of course). I have always had a good sense of humor, but it has increased with the years. Always see life as chance to learn something new everyday & always be a positive influence in someone's life.

Answer 5

I guess I wouldn't be considered a cancer survivor, but I have survived my love ones surviving and dieing from cancer. I feel the same way, life is gone and it can change in a instant. I think it is important to stop and breath and look around you, do what makes you happy and make the ones around you feel glad to be around you. I think as human beings we all should try to help one another in anyway as long as it doesn't hurt you or your family and sometimes we need to put up with the crap from others ask yourself why did I survive? So many others don't. Every person you come in contact with on a daily basis is affected by the way you treat them in some small way, whether you think so or not, so it's great you have gotten closer to your husband and kids and that is the most important part but you should try to be the best person you can be to all because you survived to grace us all with your warm touch , bright smile and gleaming eyes, so congrats and good luck on your job.

Answer 6

I am with you. I kinda had a delayed reaction. I think I was so stunned in the beginning that I couldn't even think about anything. I am 4 years out. Surgery July 3rd 02. I quit my job this May. I just do not put up with all the drama anymore. My husband and I are much closer. I think my adult children and I are closer too. Here's to good health!

Answer 7

While I am not a survivor both my husband and son (who is now 4 1/2 yrs old) are. Yes, my outlook has changed. I don't sweat the small stuff. I don't like to hear people complain about everyday aches and pains (not that I liked listening to it before, but now I pretty much tell them to get over it.). My family is closer too.

Answer 8

I am a two year cancer survivor. I still enjoy working for the same firm I did before I was diagnosed because they were so supportive when I was going through treatment and feel like family.

I do find that when I want to do something I don't wait for my husband anymore. I recently started taking dance lessons. He has never danced, and I do volunteer work because it makes me feel good.

I hope that you don't have trouble getting insurance with your new employer due to your medical history.

Answer 9

I start chemo on Friday. Maybe this will change for me but I'm always kinda angry and agitated with my parents for portraying my condition as 'very sick' and 'going through hard times', to other people. I just feel like they make me seem worse than I feel and I get very mad. Other than that, I feel very detached from people I used to love to hang out with but that's probably cuz I'm always tired. I used to be kinda strong but now little things will make me cry and it's usually nothing to do with the lymphoma. I guess I've always been kinda nice to people and that didn't change. I still take a lot of crap before flippin out but it's rare. Maybe eventually as I go through the treatment and stuff it'll change cuz right now it hasn't even started!

Answer 10

By and large on the grounds that breast cancer may be very standard that means tons and plenty of it's round and extra individuals get that then any of the others. Even though everyone has caner within them it depends upon what triggers it to virtually liberate itself and breast melanoma releases it self more readily than others im no longer absolutely definite what causes breast melanoma to come but i know that smoking factors lung melanoma and what no longer