Characteristics of Cancer Patients/Survivors

GregP_WN

Do you know that we all have characteristics and that when you survey thousands of cancer patients they come to the top? Our blog post today highlights 13 Characteristics Worth Developing When Dealing With Cancer. Take a look and see how many of these characteristics you have, and list some that you might have that aren't listed. Then....please share! Here is the link to the article>> https://www.whatnext.com/blog/posts/13-characteristics-worth-cultivating-when-diagnosed-with-cancer

cllinda

#13 was he one that got me through. My son kept me laughing and introduced me to the Big Bang Theory. A very funny show. And also reruns of the Brady Bunch kept me occupied.

LiveWithCancer

I would love to see the original survey results. Is there a link to those?

GregP_WN

That, I don't know Live, I will check on that. It would be interesting.

Kp2018

I have to add an attitude of gratitude and appreciation.

I was so grateful that standard of care treatment was available to me, and that there have been so many advances in cancer treatment, allowing me to have what at that time was considered the most effective treatment.

I also was filled with appreciation for the many kindnesses and considerations shown by everyone involved in my care.

These two qualities were present before my diagnosis, but they were strengthened during treatment and continue to persist.

centered1

#13 for sure...also hope

banditwalker

#3 Courage was the one that surprised me. Didn't know I had so much courage until my husband pointed it out. I would say, "oh, you do what you have to". But, really it takes courage to "do what you have to". A characteristic I have always had is the ability to let things go. I don't hold grudges, I forgive easily, and I naturally gravitate towards calm and nature. Nothing beats grabbing my walking stick and hitting the trails.

legaljen1969

I had a great example of "sense of humor" today. I spent the afternoon with a couple who have been friends of mine since college ("G" is the husband and "R" is the wife) We have been through graduations, first jobs after college, weddings, children, funerals, and other life events together. I lost touch with them for a few years, but reconnected about 4 years ago. Anyhow, R and I discussed my breast cancer early in my diagnosis and treatment. I felt sure she told G about it and she felt she did too. All that leading up to "the moment."
We were in the pool today chatting with other people and having shenanigans- dunking each other and pushing into the pool. Anyhow, I got out of the pool and was sitting at the table with G. He got up and walked over and said "Your bathing suit is a little loose on the left. I'm going to tighten your strap." R had tightened it earlier but in our pool time, it must have loosened a little. He tightened it back up and said "You know, you've always been flat chested but it doesn't even look like the left one is there." I said "Well, that's because it's not. I ordered a new one but it hasn't gotten here yet." ( I ordered a swim prosthetic, but it hasn't arrived). He had the funniest look on his face and I started laughing so hard I was crying. R was still in the pool and asked what was going on. I told her that G was tightening my swimsuit strap and noticed a "situation." She said "I told you she had a mastectomy." Well, she wasn't thinking there were like 5 other people around. Thankfully they were all extended members of our immediate party. He had obviously forgotten, but we just carried right on like nothing had happened. Margaritas anyone?

Paperpusher

Courage and motivation for my husband. Our grandkids were young and he wanted so badly to spend more time with them so he could make more memories with them.

andreacha

For me it was Faith (I never realized how much I had). And grit - I would keep pushing myself.

legaljen1969

@Paperpusher, children and grandchildren are a great motivator. It got my grandmother through a lot because she wanted as much time as possible with her great-granddaughter. She had a heart attack and got diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma about six months after that. We didn't think she would live to see her great granddaughter born (my niece). Not only did she make it until she was born, my niece was almost 8 years old when she died.

@Andreacha, it is amazing how cancer will reveal our faith. I find that we either have more than we thought OR we have way less. I have found that most of the people I have encountered here have a lot MORE than they thought and seem to have a lot more than I have.