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It’s difficult to imagine living joyfully after a cancer diagnosis. It’s a crippling feeling that makes the future seem bleak and pointless. However, it’s important to remain happy for the sake of your stability.

We do not encourage playing pretend. If you’re down then find a shoulder to cry on. If your support system is unsympathetic then please reach out to others. We’re only one call away if you need a cathartic heart to heart.

I’ve interviewed numerous cancer survivors to learn as much as I can about their coping mechanisms. One of them was a fervent fan of Japanese animation and said that he refused to die before watching the finale to his favorite show. It may seem like a mundane reason to live but I was overjoyed to see his enthusiasm. Any reason is worth fighting for.

Another person claimed to have never been abroad and wanted to fly before ‘kicking the bucket’. He was young and used very crass language but I could sense the fear in him. A few months later, he was declared cancer free and was finally able to board that dream flight of his. 

My final subject was a foreigner who studied in Malaysia as part of an exchange program. He spoke of how supportive his host family was during that tough period. Discovering that he had cancer while away from home was shocking yet they helped him. Now, he’s back in Georgia and is thrilled to be alive.