what cancer has taught me - Cancer Message Board

cutekitty41 · 12-17-2004, 02:50 PM

why do people get cancer.
my mom was only 64 years old. she was married at the age of 14 and had 6 childern, 13 grandchildern, 12 1/2 great grandchildern. she made her family all the most important thing in her life, she has worked in the health field for over 40 years, and always did things for others. she was diagnosed with small cell carcamolia.
the doctor said she didnt get it from smoking. but that she got it from working in her yard. which my mom loved to do. that was one of the things that made her very happy.
they found the tumor in early oct and by dec 1 she was gone. no one really expected her to go that fast. she had so many plans.
she was hoping to get all of the family back together again for one last christmas. we havent been together for some many years.
if there is anything to learn from cancer it is to live each day as it is your last never put anything off.
and to show all of your family just how much you love them,
life is to short to bicker or argue. also dont put off seeing your family no matter what problems you think you have, it gets to me when people will say i'll call them tomorrow. no call them today you might not have a tomorrow.
never ever say ill do it tomorrow, because there may never be a tomorrow.
i have two neices that both have had cervical cancer. both only in thier early 20's. both were pregnant when they found it and had to wait until their babys are born to do anything.
i think cancer is a horrible disease, i know they are finding cures for some of them but it is a shame that they cant cure all of them. or better yet not have it exist at all,
i have learned never take life for granted. it is just way to short.
love eachother and forget what ever you think they have said or done to you to upset you. they might not be there tomorrow. please tell your family that you love them and give them a hug

hillaryb · 12-17-2004, 08:36 PM

I had cancer when I was a teenager, it taught me (eventually) to be strong, and that pain, no matter how bad, is temporary. At least I am no longer afraid of needles!

I am lucky, I was cured, and have had no recurrences. I have 2 kids now, and I guess I never expected to be here to get married and have children. Im glad I did, but I know that someday I could get cancer again. I used to be afraid, but you know what, someone said on a tv show one time "we are all here to meet the same, eventual goal: dying". We all will die. Some of us will die very young, some of us will live to be very old. There are so many ways to die, and it is all out of our hands.

I find it helps to view death as a natural transition, Im not religious, but I definately believe in some way, we keep going, and that for most of us, it will be a positive transition. I think we need to just live in the moment, plan for the future, but know that you could die tomorrow. My aunt just went to a funeral, her friend, a mother of 4, just died in a car accident. She left behind 2 teenagers and 2 small children. I am very sorry for her kids. I know my biggest fear is leaving my daughters, but I have no control over it. I just try to stay positive, it can be so awful, losing someone, but we cannot control it. So I give it all to fate, and try not to worry

easier said than done).And the one thing I cannot fathom surviving: losing one of my children. I know people lost their kids sometimes, and I know they do manage to keep going, but after what I have come to realize about a mother's love, I do not see how they do it! It is definately my greatest fear.

Breathe · 12-21-2004, 09:06 AM

be brave.
be strong.
fight back.
stand tall.
chin up.
laughter rules.
my heart hurts.
it is okay to feel.
if in pain, you are still alive.
the smallest touch and smile...can cure the worst disease. heartache.
there is more power in our fingertips than we know.
love is channeled thru my hands...when i touch someone, anyone.
i need to make people laugh.
you can count on me.
i will NOT give up.
all it takes is one tini tiny shred of HOPE!
HOPE ROCKS!
i know every corner of my body.
i know my muscles.
i know my heart rate.
i know when i've had enough.
i know when i can take more.
cancer taught me it is just as important to receive...and give.
cancer taught me...the patients dont necessarily suffer the greatest.
it taught me compassion.
it taught me forgiveness.
it taught my how to WEED out the bs.
it taught me how to focus.
it taught me we are all alone.
and i am okay with this...
it taught me who i was...and who i will become.
it taught me, i can NEVER give up.
and HOPE is all we have.
it taught me to endure.

ENDURE~!

jammer71 · 12-26-2004, 10:00 PM

To all, thank you for the above, I do know about the cancer and being scared of dying, I had a scare just this past October, I am ok and my family was right by my side. I will not be able to have children due to the hyst. but my life is more important, besides my brothers and sisters have enough kids to take care of me when I get old. You are right, family is very important, I have 7 brothers and 6 sisters, although we did lose a sister a couple of years ago, I know God has a purpose for each of us. I am only 35 and lost my mom in 95 and my dad 01 and sister in 02, the youngest brother lives with me now he is only 17 and I do not know what I would do if something ever happened to him. Anyway just saying thanks.
Jeanette

kitkat0280 · 12-27-2004, 12:55 PM

CuteKitty and others-
Your post really does make people think...its amazing that you can put things into perspective like that. Its really great to see other people making the best of things. It hopefully makes others more aware of the realities of the world. Maybe your being late to work last Tuesday wasnt so bad...ya know? Well thanks for that post.