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Living As A Cancer Survivor

Mark Everett Kelly (author of "My Scars Tell A Story" his endless battle with cancer and its side effects) details his life living as a survivor of a rare skeletal muscle cancer (Rhabdomyosarcoma). This blog is perfect for anyone who shares the suffering, sacrifice and hopes you face every day in dealing with living as a cancer survivor.

LACS - Dying Cancer Patient Final Words Inspire Many

September 5, 2019 Mark Everett Kelly

When you are facing death, the thoughts, words, and advice that form in your mind are remarkable. There were a few times during my brush with death that I expressed my views about what is essential in life.

Living As A Cancer Survivor - Worrying

September 3, 2019 Mark Everett Kelly

This topic is difficult for me of which to speak. I don't want to be a hypocrite, so let me start by saying worrying impacts my life consistently. I did not have this mindset before being diagnosed with cancer. I am not worried about the cancer returning, but about the side effects that create environments that I can't control.

Living As A Cancer Survivor: Actions speak loudest

August 29, 2019 Mark Everett Kelly

When you are dealing with cancer, many things will be outside of your control. As a family member, spouse, sibling, or parent, seeing a loved one suffer is one of the worst feelings you will experience. The sentiment is mutual for the patient or survivor.

Another Perspective Part 4 - Awkward Conversations

August 22, 2019 Mark Everett Kelly

The following excerpt is the fourth thing that Rachael Yahne’s mentions in her article “5 Things that they never tell you about life after cancer”

There will be some awkward conversations...

In life after cancer and treatment, even the physical parts of your being are different. Especially when it comes to dating. There are scars. There is skin that is very tender to the touch because of the radiation. There are hangups and insecurities that are caused by the way my body is different now. So yes, there will be a level of communication absolutely necessary to make sure both partners are comfortable.

Another Perspective Part 3 - Fear

August 19, 2019 Mark Everett Kelly

The following excerpt is the third thing that Rachael Yahne’s mentions in her article “5 Things that they never tell you about life after cancer”

There will be a new sense of fear in every part of your life

It just doesn't look the same once you know how fragile your life is. That fear, of the past and of it coming back, can haunt you for the rest of your life after cancer. But what I like to tell others in my public speeches and online articles (even the ones not about cancer) is that even though there will always be fear, you don't have to let that fear decide what you do and how you feel. You don't have to let that fear run your life or even ruin your mood. You can feel it, acknowledge it, and still choose to love and to be joyous and even to take risks in your life after cancer (whether you've experienced it or someone you love). You don't have to be ruled by it; you just have to choose to live from and for something greater than that fear.