Thank You, Cancer!

By Anita Brown

2 min read

Dear Cancer,

It may seem strange that I am writing to you again, especially since the last time I was broken-hearted, emotional, and depressed. This time it is different. This time, I want to thank you!

Noticing the simple joys in life

You see, you have opened up my eyes to the important things in life. My family, my devoted dog Sherlock, and the simpler things. Watching my grandson beam with happiness - that makes my heart melt. The sunshine - just how amazing is the sunshine? A warm ball of happiness. Everything seems better when the sun shines; it is just usually we all are too busy to notice it. Thank you.

Reevaluating my priorities

My life has gone from a whirlwind to a much slower pace of life. You have stripped me bare of my material and selfish ways (well, some of them). You have given me a huge wake-up call. You have made me reassess everything that I had and believed in, in my life. Thank you!

Finding my voice and my purpose

Bad things do happen, even to nice people. I used to wonder what I had done to deserve you; that played in my mind for hours, days, and months. Then, I realized that you gave me a voice, a pretty strong one at that, and you gave me a purpose, something which I was lacking before my life with bladder cancer. Thank you!

Gratitude

You made me see that changing how I looked at things would help my mind cope with everything else. I'm not saying that I wasn't positive before, I just feel that now the positivity is more genuine. It's the smaller things that I am grateful for. Thank you!

The strength I've gained

And guess what? You haven't broken me, destroyed me, or hurt me. You have helped me to grow, AND you have made me stronger than I ever thought was possible. I have strength. I am strong. Thank you!

Hope

I never realized just important it is to always have hope. Hope for the here and now, and hope for the future. Finally, it is getting easier living with you. I don't feel that I am constantly looking over my shoulder, trying to see if you are lurking there. I have hope. I am hopeful. Thank you!

Moving forward

Cancer, you are an evil, disgusting disease, and you can take away whatever you want in a moment, without hesitation, leaving behind you a mass of emotional destruction and heartbreak. And yes, there are still challenges ahead, I'm sure, for all of us...but we are STRONG, POSITIVE, GRATEFUL AND HOPEFUL!

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billj Member
Thanks very much for sharing this. It helped me recall my own response to being diagnosed with cancer, which was includes a great deal (I hope) of thanks to God for forcing me to really think about what’s important, in the big picture of life: family, love, kindness to others, gratitude to God, empathy for others’ struggles. Thank you again!
1. Anita Brown Member
 Thank you for taking the time to read it Bill. I think we all have to remember that there is always hope. How are you doing now? x
kimpossible Member
Thank you so much for sharing.
1. Anita Brown Member
 You are very welcome Kim, thank you so much for reading the article. x
lindab Member
<inline-mention username="Anita Brown" user-id="2062379"/> - I came across this great article today and want to thank you for it. I know that my cancer certainly changed me in positive ways. I share my story with all those who will benefit, enjoy each day a bit more - or at least most days. I have changed my priorities and may actually retire for good soon. I believe that being tossed a curveball such as cancer can make us re-evaluate what is truly important in life. I could have written the same story. I am more than grateful to be able to hug my daughters and grandchildren - all 6 of them !! Thank you for reminding us how very blessed we really are even when it may not seem so.
Anita Brown Member
Hi <inline-mention username="lindab" user-id="2071752"/>, Thank you so much for reading and commenting. That means so much. Life is odd, isn’t it? When we were told it was terminal cancer, I just wanted it all over with, but without cancer, I wouldn’t be writing. I wouldn’t of had the great opportunities that I have and I really think I’m a better person... How are you at the moment? Sending love and hugs Anita x
1. Linda Urbanski Member
 @Anita Brown. Anita - I completely understand where you are coming from. I wanted to get my surgery over with and get on with my life without the "cancer" word in it anywhere. But I met some great people and we shared stories and I quickly realized how much I could help people going through the same diagnosis and challenges I did. It is comforting to have people who can be honest about treatments, procedures etc because they have been there. The best part is how good it makes me feel to be supportive and share my experiences to hopefully make things easier for others at the same time. My very best to you. Linda ( moderator, <a href='https://bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>BladderCancer.net</a> team member)