Love and Loss

As lung cancer survivors, we join social media groups for more information and support.  Our social media friends become "family." We have a love for them like no other. We bond immediately and lean on each other for support, love, and honesty.

Our Community Faces Far Too Much Loss

But with all cancer therapies, some work better for others, so we have to deal with loss among our lung cancer community. Loss in any form is difficult, but to lose a lung cancer brother/sister rips a part of your heart that will never come back. Internally we know, that could have been me.  And it brings us back to the reality we face every day - loss of life at a young age and an amazing ability to fight.

I truly do not intend to sound like a depressed patient, and I hope you don't read this as a negative reality we deal with, but instead, be blessed by how we can help out each other.

Other Survivors Just 'Get It'

Regardless of how close your family is, there are still things that only another lung cancer patient can discuss with you AND you know that person knows exactly how you feel. The support, motivation, and love we feel for one another is a joyous feeling.

My personal favorite is coming across books written by my fellow cancer survivors. It gives you an even more intimate relationship with someone you've possibly never met in person. You can celebrate their accomplishments and cry when they receive bad news. You feel as if you are a part of that person.

Knowing that there are people "out there" reading my articles and my blog gives me strength.  If one sentence helps someone avoid a mistake I made, then my day is complete. So take the plunge and jump into a Facebook group. Take a few days to read and get to know the members.  You will know immediately if you resonate with that particular group.

It will help you on your longest day.

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 28, 2020, Jennifer Toth passed away. Jennifer was a passionate advocate for the Lung Cancer community. She will be deeply missed.