Finding Positivity
Everyone has their bad days — wether it be after a diagnosis, during treatment, or learning about a difficult prognosis. When you're faced with the challenges that lung cancer brings on, how do you find positivity? What are some things that "lighten the load"?
My journey has been full of ups and downs. I was very sick with lung infections for months before finally having my top left lobe removed and had many procedures and hospital stays. During that time there were so many walking angels that crossed my path. I had so many special experiences with them that I would have never experienced if not for my cancer. They touched my life in such a simple but meaningful way.
When I was first diagnosed with stage 4 NSCLC with Mets to my brain I was in a constant state of panic. My mind swirled with worry. I was unable to enjoy everyday life because I was looking at my life as ending. I wouldn’t allow myself to look forward to things.
About 3 years into my journey something just clicked inside me. I realized I was waisting the time I had on worrying about something I couldn’t change. You see, I can’t change the outcome of my life. I can’t control if my cancer comes back. None if it is in my control, and worrying about it only waists the time I do have. I asked myself, “Do you want to live the days you have with worry or so you want to enjoy the days you have?” This has helped me to push cancer to the back and has allowed me to enjoy each day that I feel well, each day I get to spend with my family, each day I get to do the mundane everyday things, each day that God has given me.what you have said is really meaningful. It must be so hard to have to push the idea of cancer returning to the back of your mind and try not to worry about it. But, enjoying each and every day is a true blessing. Sending you strength and peace. Jill (team member) I so respect your outlook. Cancer has a way of playing with hearts and emotions, and sometimes we just don't know how things will pan out; However, choosing to live by enjoying is a huge step to move forward. Thank you so much for sharing. Wishing you the very best!
Yolanda (Team Member)
Abby, I couldn't agree with you more! My road trip is ten years this Thanksgiving. I've had it all, from the removal of my upper right. To conversions cause what was left twisted in my lung cavity, mt to the brain. And all the ways to kill the bad cells. Ten years now, and get told I'm in remission. Oh, but wait a minute you need oxygen the rest of your life! It's only a week now with the generator, it's heavy to carry around. Did ten years, so I'll get used to it and do another ten.lord willing. But loved your words, keep up the fight. Live while we can.
you have been through so much. I am sure the generator is heavy to carry around. I wish you all the best. Sending you strength. Keep up the good fight. Jill (team member) Thank you for sharing! The way lung cancer has so many twists and turns, even when remission is met there can still be more obstacles to face; It is a fight all the way while showing your incredible strength! Wishing you the very best!
Yolanda (Team Member)
Music and nature
, both are wonderful tools to uplift! Do you have a special place that you like to go? I have a few, and they are all centered around water (I wonder why?) - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
I live at end of gravel rd.
Sit on my porch and watch the birds, listen to music, waiting for fishing time and creek walking! Yes,being close to water helps,too, there's also a channel on our tv with video and calming music....our pups love it too😊
Stay connected to nature🌄
Faith over fear, thank you for reaching out and stay positive 🫶, Tracy, Tracy, those are all great places to find peace. I have to say - I think I know what you meant by "Creek-walking", but I got this truly intriguing, magical image when I read it! We have a few "cat-tv" channels that I love. They have videos of squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and of course, birds feeding - full of birdsong and beautiful imagery - I enjoy it too! Love and light coming your way <3 - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
