Living As A Cancer Survivor - Turning Pain Into a Positive
Mark Everett Kelly
Mark Everett Kelly was diagnosed with Stage IV Rhabdomyosarcoma on December 12, 1990.
One thing that cancer survivors must learn to accept is that life will never be the same once receiving a diagnosis of cancer. What does that mean?
Before depression sets in, the first thing you need to understand is that not all of the changes are negative. While the stress, anxiety, and fear are all expected, cancer can also help other areas of your life that the patient/survivor can for an advantage.
Perspective - One thing that cancer teaches you is to value time. The little things that once seemed so inconsequential will become beautiful. What are those things? Relationships will be more critical. Sharing your feelings on matters that were not comfortable before, expressing gratitude, or the importance of a specific person or activity is another bi-product.
Accountability - A diagnosis helps understand your behavior better. Some might develop a desire to reach out to specific individuals they hurt. Others develop a need to stop participating in actions that led to poor choices. Either way, you are deciding to take a more in-depth look at yourself and how your life can improve others.
Example - Whether you desire to be or not, others will look at you for wisdom. Surviving such a trial shows others that you have inner strength and guts that demands admiration.
I would be lying if I thought that I am any of those things to others because so much time has passed since my diagnosis. I pray that God can use me to serve others in a capacity that gives them hope and makes them feel that no matter what happens to you in life, you can rise above it and still live a happy life.
I can always be reached by email (CKMagicSports@gmail or LivingAsACancerSurvivor@gmail). Please see the links below to follow me or contact me on social sites. I welcome (need) more followers and supporters. Please don't be shy about sharing your thoughts.