This Is Living With Cancer posted a guide for those who are coping with survivor’s guilt that could be very helpful for some of the patients who have survived cancer.
Receiving the news that you have cancer is devastating, but there are ways in which you can try to deal with it. Especially the guilt that may follow once you have conquered this disease. Naturally you want everyone else with cancer to survive while even you are elated that you have survived it yourself.
It is okay to grieve your loved one that has passed from cancer, but it’s also okay to feel relieved after you have successfully survived the treatments of your own. You don’t have to cancel one feeling out with the other. These things should be dealt with separately and you need to give yourself space and time to mourn your loss of others. You can also allow yourself to feel relief and joy that you are now in remission. You are here and you can carry the memory of your loved ones with you that were not as fortunate as you. Remember their kindness, generosity, humor or grace and emulate these wonderful qualities in your own life whenever you have the opportunity.
You were not alone when first diagnosed with your cancer. It’s also important for you to understand you aren’t the first to survive cancer when you find you are in remission. Today there are more survivors of cancer than ever. The American Society estimates that there will be more than 20 million cancer survivors in the U.S. by 2026.
It is extremely important that you focus on the good things of your remission even though you may find you have changed. Life after cancer treatment isn’t like it was before, but you can allow yourself the time you need to adjust and you can plan for tomorrow. Be open to new opportunities and find things to look forward to. Pick up the recreational activities you loved to do before cancer! That can help you as much as anything.
Being a survivor of cancer is a sobering experience that can give you a renewed sense of purpose in your life. You can remember and appreciate what you’ve accomplished and move forward. You are a survivor and in remission, so perhaps you’ve never felt better. You should be proud that you made it through this traumatic experience in your life. You’ve been given a second chance at life, so take advantage of it.
Dr Fredda Branyon