Has Beating Cancer Changed Your Outlook on Life?

Not a strange question. I think all of us have that feeling. Mine is a little different i have the guilt feeling like why me? Why have i survived and so many more haven’t!!

Yes, I can totally relate: I used to believe in my ability to handle life's challenges with God's help, but my experiences with the medical system have been disappointing. At some point a person feels like saying, “I have had enough!” While I've encountered some caring physicians, I've often found the system to be unhealthy and uncaring. Fortunately, my faith and the love of Jesus have been a source of comfort, especially during my husband's heart attack. Prayers came flooding in, my cell was literally lite up as we were called into a room by the clergy to let us know that unfortunately things went wrong during surgery. My husband was not responding… suddenly the doctor burst in with laughter saying he never has seen anything like it. My husband came through after all. Thank you Jesus because I for one could not have made it without him by my side.

Its not strange. We all go thru it, but with God on our side we will make it thru. Most times we just need an encouraging word.

Hope, I lost a college friend. She was diagnosed at 31 and passed at 58..Her battle was long and hard, but she fought until the end. I could never imagine what she suffered. I have a favorite quote from a book that I read every year, You never really know a person until you climb inside their skin and walk around awhile. Yes, I had invasive breast cancer, but not like my dear friend. I almost feel that I don't have the right to say I have breast cancer. My journey was nothing like hers.

Cat and others, I found my Catholic faith to be so very important, especially with going through such aggressive and humbling treatments. So many symptoms… hair loss, neuropathy and blistering toes, nail loss, rashes, joint pain, radiation burns, nausea, insomnia… not easy to tolerate and accept. Lent the past 2 years, was truly walking with God. I’m church organist and soloist, and I pushed myself to keep active amid so many tests, appointments, and treatments. Family and friends also key for emotional support and I did my best to help them with their needs, to lose focus on my own problems. I wish everyone the best on their cancer journey. Everyone has so many concerns and I see many worse than mine. 🙏

Irene,I am also Catholic. I feel blessed to be Catholic.

I feel blessed to be Christian walking with Jesus. Only God truly knows what we are going through. Experiencing lots of evil in this world. God is not of the world. His word never changes.

Susan, Well stated. I couldn’t imagine life without God. 🙏❤️

Your feelings are completely valid and more common than many people realize. Cancer affects everyone differently, and there's no "right" way to feel afterward - some find renewed appreciation while others experience exactly what you're describing. The combination of ongoing pain and trauma from your treatment experience can absolutely shift your perspective and energy in ways that feel overwhelming. Many survivors find their outlook changes in unexpected directions, and it's okay to acknowledge that this journey has been harder than you anticipated.