Home > Work > Voices of Cancer: What We Really Want, What We Really Need
1 " I choose not to be bitter and angry because I feel there is a bigger message that I am supposed to share beyond the fact that I have cancer. "
― Lynda Wolters , Voices of Cancer: What We Really Want, What We Really Need
2 " It is exhausting explaining over and over again that yes, I am doing great and I feel fantastic, but I still cannot do the things I once did. My new normal with Cancer Related Fatigue. "
3 " When you get sick you will be surprised by who steps up and who steps away. I can honestly say I did not think this would apply to me. I could not imagine that anyone in my family or circle of friends would not be there for me. Wrong! "
4 " I always try to stay positive, but right now I just want to scream and cry a little. I have an amazing support system here, but sometimes I feel like I can't cry or be mad because they think I'm not being positive. "
5 " I want you to get remarried after I die. "
6 " Be careful of using the word normal around cancer patients, whether they call themselves a survivor or not, there is no 'back to normal'. "
7 " I am grateful for everything and every day, and that is no longer just words I feed myself from Post-it notes stuck to my mirror as positive affirmations. "
8 " If your loved one is done fighting, respect that, let them go. "
9 " The word cure is often misconstrued as remission and, conversely, remission is often thought to mean cure. Unfortunately, those words are mutually exclusive and can be painful when misunderstood or misused. "
10 " Cancer can change your body, and it can surely take your body away, but it can't have your spirit. "
11 " I am angry that everyone else gets to have a normal life. "
12 " Honesty is the best approach - and some understanding of how cancer patients see their illness can help. Cliched terms and thoughtless positives don't work, such as, 'You look good, though.' 'At least you got the good cancer.' 'Be strong.' 'You got this.' 'This is just a season. "
13 " Being afraid is one thing. Being alone and afraid is far worse. Find others who understand your fears and problems. "
14 " Once you have faced what could kill you, there's no going back. "
15 " It is during my times of great suffering, of feeling alone and scared, that I find my deepest sense of faith - when I actually feel the presence of something much greater than me, encouraging me to take the next right step. "
16 " My perspective now that I am in remission is that life is uncomplicated if you let it be. "
17 " We are left wondering why we are having good days, why we are surviving. It is curious that survivor's guilt could befall a cancer patient. "
18 " Good things can come from thinking about and facing your death. It's about understanding life. "