From the article: The Most Important Lessons From Breast Cancer
Breast cancer treatment is an experience that causes many of us to slow down and think about life. It's a hard teacher, but it may give you a life lesson - or two - that sticks with you for a long time. The bonds of support between survivors are cemented with common experiences, shared struggles, celebrated victories, and words of advice. What was the more important thing that you learned during your journey with breast cancer? What life lesson would you share with others in the fight? Please share your advice here. Share Your Life Lesson
Acceptance
- A good friend of mine recently said "People plan and G-d laughs". Bottom line is that we cannot plan out our entire lives. Belive it or not, some events are out of our control! I obviously did not plan to have breast cancer, but when I was diagnosed I completely accepted the life challenge. Turns out, it wasn't much of a challenge at all. After losing my Mom to the disease and watching my sister go through it with me (she also later died from the disease), I knew what to expect and I accepted what turned out to be a beautiful journey for me. By accepting the diagnosis and all that followed, I moved forward in a positive way...met some incredible doctors, nurses, and other patients and now manage a support group to provide other cancer survivors a safe and fun place to exchange information and experiences. I think I turned an otherwise grim experience into a positive one by learning the art of acceptance. My wish is that other women may do the same. Peace.
- —SPE7161
Life Lesson
- I felt the fog lift after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I began to see things more clearer and I welcomed everything with open arms. I also strengthed my relationships with my husband, children, parents and friends. You look at yourself differently, and I looked at myself more positively. Whether it was surgery, dr. appts, grocery shopping,chemo...whatever it was, the news was never bad for me, rather a way to make it positive. I also strongly wanted to share my story and support anyone who needed support. I wanted to arm myself with knowledge and I did. Knowledge is power, but so is being positive. Having strong faith is the best defense. I also learned to never take anyone or anything for granted and I always tell people everyday how much they mean to me and how much I love them. The journey is your own...all you have to do is write it out!
- —Guest staceycoffing
God was there
- Before I knew who He was, God was there. When I had given up on life, God was there. When the docs wanted to give me the most aggressive chemo available & I refused any chemo at all, God was there. When I did not want to be rescued, God was there. The most important life lesson I have learned from having breast cancer is that God was there & He is here & He will never leave me.
- —Guest Jacqueline
Life Lessons after Cancer
- I have learned that you don't take life for granted, and I am on my 5th year Cancer free, it has also made me stronger as a person. Having Cancer is not a death sentence, just think positive, get good support and educate yourself.
- —Guest Lesley Ann
what life is about
- i learned that life is really about relationships - not about working harder, buying more stuff, getting a big raise, etc. life is about people: love them and spend time with them while you can. if you can't love them then gently move on. work at your most important relationships - don't take anybody for granted, we are not guaranteed a certain amount of time on the earth.
- —szebaimei
