No one wishes for a cancer diagnosis. Cancer is a terrifying, life-threatening condition. Going through treatment will change your life. But once you survive cancer, you may find you like some of the changes in yourself. Survivors often bring new strength and commitment into life after cancer.
Breast cancer survivor Vicky Davis told the American Cancer Society that cancer made her stronger. She learned what she could handle during treatment. She channeled that strength into starting a support group for other breast cancer survivors.
Mother and daughter Deborah Spitalnik and Molly Weingart took a big step out of their comfort zones — and onto a Fashion Week runway — after beating breast cancer. The pair told the Abramson Cancer Center that they were offered a chance to model lingerie designed for all the changes people might face after breast cancer surgery. They both felt like the experience was valuable to themselves and other survivors who saw them.
You may find that new risks and challenges seem less daunting after overcoming cancer. You may also realize that there's no good reason to put off reaching your goals. You can seize the day and start your dream projects now because things can change in the time it takes a doctor to say "You have cancer".
As you complete treatment and start to feel healthy and strong again, you might want to take a look at your list of life goals. Have you always wanted to train for a marathon? Maybe you'd like to try doing stand-up comedy. Or maybe you want to become a volunteer who advocates for better government programs for cancer patients. There's no day like today to try incredible new things.
You had the courage to survive cancer. You now know you have the courage to do anything.
