By Deidre Ferenc
One year! It’s now been one year since I received that phone call and heard the words that have forever changed my life.
I have so many emotions as I look back on the past year. Some people may look at being diagnosed with cancer as a curse, and originally I may have felt a little bit that way, but I no longer view being diagnosed with cancer that way, I now look at it as a challenge, and you know what they say about challenges in life … if something doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you, and we grow the most when we are being challenged.
I have learned so much about myself during my cancer journey. I have changed so much, my cancer journey, and in many ways I am grateful for my cancer journey. That might sound weird, but cancer has been the craziest gift I’ve ever been given.
Cancer taught me that we are so much stronger than we think we are, and we have no idea how strong we are until being strong is the only choice we have!
Cancer taught me that sometimes we have the privilege of preparation in life. Almost 5 years ago I became a certified health coach and made many healthy lifestyle changes. Little did I know the huge role those lifestyle changes would play during my recovery from surgeries and treatment. When I went into my diagnosis, I was healthier and stronger than I had ever been in my adult life, that mattered! Cancer wasn’t fun, but I thrived during treatment, and I attribute that to my healthy lifestyle habits.
Cancer taught me that although our world can seem disappointing and scary at times, there are so many good people in it! The love and support that I received during my journey was at times almost overwhelming, but I could not have gotten through it all without it. People can be amazing!
Cancer taught me not to sweat the small stuff as much. Things like traffic, waiting in lines, house projects, kids’ spills, no longer bother me like they used to. I also feel like I appreciate the small moments in life more. I sit back and try to soak them in. Everything just seems a little more special after you have cancer… sunrises and sunsets, rainbows, butterflies and rainstorms. Life is pretty beautiful when you view it through a “cancer lens.”
Another thing cancer has allowed me to do is connect with so many other warriors. Becoming part of the breast cancer community is like joining the best club you never wanted to be in! These women have helped me so much along my journey and now I am getting to do the same for others who are being newly diagnosed. My hope is to show others that cancer changes your life, but it doesn’t have to ruin your life!
