How did your perspective on life change after your cancer diagnosis?

A little late to the table, but I have some time today and wanted to chime in.

My cancer diagnosis changed my perspective in many ways. I think the main shift in perspective has been my decisiveness. I take much less time to contemplate all of the possible courses of action. I don't let myself get as "stuck" in thinking "what if" I make a choice and something better comes along? My family was highly encouraging me to "wait" and get a second opinion. I was considering it, but I felt comfortable with the plans my care team had laid out for me and I just had this feeling that I needed to move forward and quit thinking about it so much.

My diagnosis came just before COVID took over. I had my surgery and did my recovery period. I went back to work just one or two days before the country was shut down and quarantines started. I was forced to spend more time at home, to learn how to network in and work from home. Fortunately my office was small and most days it would be just me and my direct supervisor, so we were able to open our office. We followed mask mandates and safety protocols.

Waiting for that second opinion could have delayed my treatment by far longer than the few weeks it might have taken to get a second opinion. Surgeries were called off. Hospitals became "battlegrounds" for the COVID epidemic.

I have become a far more decisive person.

Spiritually, I think my faith is stronger. I take more time for self-care and to preserve my peace.

I try to be more compassionate to others, as I never know their journey and what brought them to the day and moment I meet them.