Personal Growth when you have cancer

To all of you, I am so moved and impressed, by the outpouring fo sincere sentiment and mourning upon finding out about Nano and DJ.  There is a special bond that seems to develop amonst individuals who have cancer and more especially, those who share the same diagnosis, i.e. kidney cancer no matter the sub-category.

I didn't come on here until I was about 1/2 way into this 9 year experience, so you didn't hear me in my early days.  But I can relate to the "newbies" who have just been Dx'd, or are confronting thescanxiety of the first CT after surgery.

What is common, is that those who have the knowledge or experience with a particulat situation, test, procedure, etc. are ready and willing to share what they know with the next new patient.  For some, that is easy.  For others, it is difficult to share some of the innermost thoughts and fears that the diagnosis of cancer has made bubble to the top of the pot of emotions.

What I see/read/hear, is absolute concern for the fellow patient, the drive to make what you do with the remainder of your life valuable to yourself and others,  In this current medical climate, many learn about the need for self-advocacy, learn how to share feelings with family and loved ones, learn the importance of learning to LIVE-not just exist.  And we all learn that there is more to our being than being a cancer patient.

Are we worse off for having cancer?  Yes!   Are we better people now?  Yes!  Are we going to fight to beat it?  You betcha!  And if that isn't personal growth, I don't know what is.

With care and hugs to everyone,

Donna