More and more people today benefit from early detection of cancer and successful treatment. Medical advances are improving both quality of life and length of survival, enabling many survivors to continue full and productive lives at home and at work.
In the United States alone there are an estimated 12 million cancer survivors, including 2.5 million women diagnosed with breast cancer. With many types of cancer today, more people are surviving than dying, and the numbers are increasing. Most of our impressions of the disease, however, come from fantasized versions produced for entertainment or fund raising purposes. Reality is a true human drama – physical changes, new priorities, losses, gains, careers destroyed, new careers started, personal challenges, family reunions, old friends reconnecting and more.
The New York Times has initiated an ambitious online project called “Picture Your Life After Cancer” in which cancer survivors tell their stories in their own words, and can post pictures of their post-cancer lives. The key question being asked is – “How has your life changed after cancer?” There’s no censoring and no attempt to transform people into warriors to support fund drives, just real people telling their stories and sharing what’s on their minds.
The first thing you notice in the photo mosaic is that cancer doesn’t discriminate or play favorites – there’s a broad range of ages, races, ethnicities, locations and levels of fitness. There are photos capturing sheer joy, as well as deep sadness. The words that accompany many of the photos are breathtaking too:
Sunny – Scottsdale, AZ – I was four months pregnant when I was diagnosed…My daughter was born healthy five months later and she recently blessed me with a baby girl. The “happy smile” scar stretched across my tummy reminds me that every day is to be cherished.”
Adrienne – New Orleans, LA – Six months after I finished treatment I accomplished two physical feats that I never imagined prior to treatment: I hiked the Grand Canyon in one day and completed…(a) half marathon. Going through…chemotherapy with a smile gave me the strength to know I could get through anything with grace.
Jacqueline – Albany, NY – The biggest difference in my life now is how much I cherish and try to nurture my body. I know it so much more intimately now, so I try to eat well, sleep enough and free my life of chemicals wherever possible.
Lisa – Girard, PA – I laugh more, live more, and I don’t sweat the small things in life. I choose to live life and not just survive it. I’m determined to help others do the same thing…LIVE FULLY!
Evelyn – Mississauga, Ontario – In the past four months I went from having the most amazing rock star hair, to being bald. I wear a lot of scarves. Attitude is everything. No one I come across in the general public looks at me any different, I guess they think I’m just eccentric! Hair grows back.
Wendy – Vermont – Nothing is certain now, the present moment is precious. Simple kindnesses make all the difference and there is little use for being judgmental…I’m like a two year old, moving forward, stumbling, reaching for support, being independent, soaking in love.
Lynne – Seattle, WA – I’m lucky to be surrounded by family, friends and a loving husband who have helped out beyond measure to keep things normal for my three year old. Please know that not everyone who goes through chemotherapy loses their hair! And young, seemingly healthy women like me can get colon cancer.
Leah – Chandler, AZ – Life is unclear, uncertain and unknown. There is a bitter-sweetness to everything, but along with the fear of the unknown comes the courage to challenge it and the pride of knowing my own inner strength. Although my body is not as strong as it once was, my mind and spirit are stronger than ever…Post-cancer I am still me just a different me than what I started out this life with.
Rene – Grass Valley, CA – I am making sure I do all those things in life that I used to say I wanted to do “some day.” Well some day is here, now.
Jennifer – Aptos, CA – Life if more precious! Friends, family, organic food, meaningful work and faith are the keys for me.
Linnea – Meredith, NH – As someone with a terminal illness, I am acutely aware of what a gift each and every day is, and I have learned to focus on the simple wonders of being alive.
Lily – Boston, MA - Cancer brought me a sense of wonder. I don’t think I would ever have realized without it. My family is more precious to me than I ever imagined and I realize my own importance to them. Best of all I feel purposeful, safe and surrounded by beauty.
Diane – Montclair, NJ – There’s never a moment when I’m not aware that it could come back. Any abnormality in my health is scrutinized…Life after cancer reveals itself slowly, layer by layer. Priorities change, there is a lot of letting go and there is a commitment to live in the moment knowing that each day is a gift to be treasured and to give thanks.
Elizabeth – Pittsburg, PA – I am so thankful.
Denise – Nicaragua – I thought there was going to be one definitive emotion, but I know now that, like most things in life, there are layers and complexities and a healthy balance of good and bad.
Tisa – New York, NY – I feel grateful that I have to worry about taking my medication. On time. Every day. For the rest of my life.
Sandra – Claremont, CA – Life is painful. I now have problems doing simple things like walking and standing. Things I took for granted. I have more compassion for people who cannot do things, people who are limited physically.
Wendy – San Francisco, CA – I’ve lost my innocence but am closer to my family and better at feeling contentment.
Laurie – Galapagos Islands, Ecuador – EVERY day is a gift!
Betsy – Ann Arbor, MI – Cancer magnifies the uncertainty of life but it can also be an opportunity to prioritize, drop the baggage and live like we mean it.
Nasiveli –New York, NY – Before cancer I did not like wearing red. Now after breast cancer at 34 that is the only color I wear. Color of life, joy and radiance!
Christina – Phoenix, AZ – I want to be known as a “cancer asskicker.” I’ve earned the title and I’m dang proud of it!
Laura – San Luis Obispo, CA – Everything is sweeter post-cancer. I have learned so much and am grateful for it – which doesn’t mean it wasn’t very scary at times. I stay focused in the incredible blessing of the present moment. I don’t worry about the things I can’t control. I tell my loved ones how very much I love them. And I am in awe of my doctors and nurses who do the bravest work of all.
Amanda – New York, NY – There is a new found freedom and clarity after a cancer diagnosis. Suddenly you become very aware of who is important and what is important in your life. As a young adult I took my health for granted. Now, every day that I don’t hurt is a miracle. I never want to have to endure another cancer experience. It may not be up to me at this point, but I take every precaution to stay in the best shape and eat healthy. Despite all the bad that comes with cancer, I feel I am a better person because of it.
What do you think? Were these comments what you expected, or were they different? Do they remind you of someone in your own life with cancer? Do you personally have a story about life after cancer? We invite your to share it with us at EmpowHER by commenting on this article. We also encourage you to submit your story and photo to the “Picture Your Life After Cancer” photo collage in the New York Times.
Resources:
View the photo collage here:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/04/08/health/cancer-survivor-photos.html?ref=health
Submit your photo and story here:
http://submit.nytimes.com/after-cancer
About the author: Pat Elliott is a journalist and blogger who has written about health issues for more than 20 years. She is also a cancer survivor who coaches people on how to manage their transition and take control of their new future.