Being diagnosed with cancer is a life-changing event for anyone. It can bring a range of emotions, from fear and anger to hope and acceptance. For me, it was no different.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 30, and it turned my world upside down. However, the experience was also transformative, and it taught me many valuable lessons. Here are some of the things that I learnt during my battle with cancer:.

Lesson 1: Stay Positive

The first and most important lesson that I learnt during my battle with cancer was the power of positivity. Staying positive helped me cope with the grueling treatments, surgeries, and recovery periods.

It helped me stay focused on healing and gave me the strength to fight back. I realized that positivity is not just a mindset, but a vital tool in fighting cancer.

Lesson 2: Accept Help

During my battle with cancer, I learnt that accepting help is not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Friends and family offered to help me with day-to-day tasks, like cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping.

At first, I was hesitant to accept their offers, but soon realized that I needed their help to get through the tough times. Accepting help also allowed me to focus on healing and gave me the much-needed rest that my body needed.

Lesson 3: Appreciate Life

Cancer reminded me about the importance of appreciating life. It made me realize how precious life is and how much we take it for granted. I started cherishing every moment, whether it was spending time with loved ones or enjoying nature’s beauty.

I learnt that life is too short to be unhappy and that happiness lies in appreciating the small things in life.

Lesson 4: Be Patient with Yourself

Cancer treatment can be a long and arduous journey, and it taught me the importance of being patient with myself. I had to remind myself that healing takes time and that I should not rush the process.

There were days when I felt frustrated with my slow progress, but I learnt to be kind to myself and celebrate every small victory. Being patient with myself also helped me deal with the emotional rollercoaster that comes with cancer treatment.

Lesson 5: Seek Support

Dealing with cancer can be isolating, and seeking support is crucial. Whether it was talking to friends or joining a support group, I realized that it’s essential to have a strong support system during cancer treatment.

Support can come from different sources, like friends, family, healthcare providers, or online communities. It helped me feel less alone and gave me the courage to keep fighting.

Lesson 6: Take Care of Yourself

During cancer treatment, it’s essential to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough rest are crucial for the body’s healing process.

I also discovered the benefits of mindfulness practices like yoga, meditation, and journaling, which helped me stay centered. Taking care of myself allowed me to maintain a positive attitude and gave me the energy to face the challenges ahead.

Lesson 7: Find Meaning

Cancer can make you question the meaning of life and your purpose on this earth. However, it can also provide an opportunity to find meaning and purpose in your life. During my battle with cancer, I discovered a passion for helping other cancer patients.

I started volunteering at a local cancer support center and found joy in supporting others going through similar experiences. Finding meaning in my life gave me hope and a reason to keep fighting.

Lesson 8: Live in the Moment

Cancer taught me the importance of living in the moment. When faced with an uncertain future, it’s easy to get caught up in worries and fears. However, living in the present moment helped me stay positive and focused on the present.

I started appreciating every little moment, from watching a beautiful sunset to laughing with friends. Living in the moment gave me a sense of peace and helped me enjoy life even during the toughest times.

Lesson 9: Stay Hopeful

Cancer treatment can be a long and challenging journey, but it’s important to stay hopeful. Hope is what keeps us going, even when things seem impossible. During my battle with cancer, I realized that hope is not just a feeling but a state of mind.

It helped me stay positive and gave me the strength to fight back. Staying hopeful also allowed me to envision a future beyond cancer and to dream of a better life.

Lesson 10: Celebrate Life

Finally, cancer taught me to celebrate life. Surviving cancer is a remarkable achievement, and it’s essential to celebrate this milestone in life.

Whether it’s throwing a party or taking a trip, celebrating life is a way of acknowledging all that we’ve been through and the strength that we’ve gained. Celebrating life also reminds us to appreciate the present and live life to the fullest.

Conclusion

My battle with cancer was not easy, but it was also a transformative experience. It taught me many valuable lessons, from staying positive to celebrating life. I learnt that cancer is not just a disease, but a journey.

A journey that requires strength, courage, and hope. And while the journey may be tough, it’s also an opportunity for growth and transformation.