Living with cancer (part 2)

Living with cancer is just a new way of living. I mean it’s a new normal. Things you once did you don’t do any more or at least it’s been changed to some degree. I just do things differently now. Let me give you a few examples:

1. You think differently: Let’s face it when you have cancer you’re thinking totally changes and I’m not talking about memory issues when having treatment but just how you think in general. I can remember when I was first diagnosed with this disease, I began to think things like, ” How long do I have”? or “When will treatment start”? and so forth. Then you get on the internet and ask Dr. google and then you hate to see the answer (stay off google). Now after a few years my thinking has changed somewhat after understanding the type of cancer I have. I realize this cancer may not kill me, but I also know it’s not curable (humanly speaking). What kills you is the infection you may get because of your immune system is compromised. So, now I’m thinking things like, “If I have treatment then which one?” Can I eat a plant-based diet to the point where I don’t need treatment? “What can I do to reduce the size of my spleen?” This is just one aspect of my thinking with this disease.
2. You eat differently: Everyone who knows me understands how I feel about this. Nutrition is very important to me. It should have been years ago but for me living in the south you just grew up on pies, cakes and soda pops. (and I loved it) I just don’t eat much of that anymore unless on special occasions. I do everything I can to flood my body with fruits and vegetables now, that’s why I have researched on the internet for the best way to do that. Juice Plus was the answer for me, and I recommend this whole food plant-based nutrition product to everyone.
3. You work differently: I’ve worked at a hospital for nearly 13 yrs. I was working full-time for a long time then due to my health I soon went part time. My manager and supervisor have been good to me understanding that I can’t work like I used too. I mean the lifting, pulling, pushing and a lot of walking can wear me down. I know that working a long day can make me tired but my disease at times can make me feel fatigued/drained more than usual.
4. You socialize differently: I love to socialize and meet people. I just have to be more careful when I’m around people especially crowds. When there is a bigger crowd than normal, I get a little nervous and I start wearing a mask. I know how some people feel about mask, but I also understand those people don’t have cancer like I do either. Just understand I am immune compromised which means my immune system isn’t working very well and I have to get infusions to give it a boost.
5. You pray and worship differently: When I’m reading the Bible it means more to me now than it ever has. I have read and meditate on so many verses. One of my favorite verses that I meditate on every day is Psalm 30:2, ” O Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me”. I love that verse and many others. I also pray those verses every day. It’s nothing like praying scripture.

There is so much more I could say about living differently but when you have cancer, you have a new way of living. A new normal. God is so good! I am very grateful for all that He has done in my life. I’m so thankful to wake up every morning and see what God has planned for me.