I was diagnosed with cancer at 21, and putting my life on hold was scary. I felt that I didn’t deserve this diagnosis, I didn’t deserve to be scarred in this way. Now, a year and a half in remission, I value my scars, and I thank cancer for what it gifted me.
Cancer, surprisingly enough, has given me countless gifts. While this disease was quite literally the worst thing that’s ever happened to me, I’ve learned to look at the beauty that it has offered me.
- Cancer has given me the gift of knowing my own resilience.
- Cancer has given me the gift of holding onto the newfound joy in my life.
- Cancer has given me the gift of loving myself.
- Cancer has given me the gift of my closest and most true friendships.
- Cancer has given me the gift of finding mission and passion for my future.
- Cancer has given me the gift of breaking down walls and wearing my heart on my sleeve.
- Cancer has given me the gift of radiance.
- Cancer has given me the gift of gratitude.
- And most importantly, cancer has given me the gift of life.
In no way do I intend to glorify a life-threatening disease like cancer, but I think it is deeply important to acknowledge what cancer can offer us.
When faced with adversity, it is so important to focus on what we can control and practice gratitude on what each adversity can offer us.
What good can we pull from every trip for chemo? From every hospital stay? From every moment?
I’ve listed a brief overview of the gifts that I’ve unwrapped through the different phases of my experience with lymphoma. I invite you to create your own list and share it in the comments.
What has cancer gifted you?
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Note: Lymphoma News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Lymphoma News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to lymphoma.
