Sunday, April 22, 2012

The Pros of Cancer

Sounds like a terrible title for a post, huh?  Can there really be "Pros" to having cancer?  I think so.  Everyone has an idea of the bad parts of cancer, I mean, even just saying the word sends chills down the spines of most.  But I think it's important to also be able to see the good in every situation- even a cancer diagnosis. 

So what kind of good things can I say about cancer?  Here's the list I've started so far...and I plan to keep adding to it throughout this journey, because I know there will be many more.

  • Support- The amount of support that our family is getting from so many people is absolutely overwhelming. I see people that I don't even know wearing "Andrea's Army" t shirts and bracelets.  I get cards in the mail from people I have never met.  And then there's the people I do know...and that Army is a big one!  I couldn't ask for a better support system to help get me through this.   
  • Prayers- There is no greater comfort than knowing your name is being lifted up in prayer by a huge group of people.  It's just that feeling of wondering if God gets tired of hearing my name each day (which I know he doesn't) that puts a smile on my face.  I like to think of it as a child who really, really wants something and they keep asking over and over..."Please, mommy, please...please...mommy?, mommy? please?"  until the mother just wants to say 'Ok- whatever you want, just please quit asking."  Seriously I know that is not a good comparison, but just thinking about all of the prayer warriors out there bringing our family's name before God makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  :)
  • The Little Things- The big C rocks your world when you first get the diagnosis, but as you begin the journey you realize just how special those little moments are in the big picture.  Healthy Andrea would have enjoyed going to Karlie's dance recital, but cancer Andrea realized what a special event it was- memories being made that we will look back on for years to come.  Little things, like snuggling on the couch, mean so much more now than they did pre-diagnosis.  Not that they didn't matter, just that they matter more now.  I try to take each moment with my kids and make the most of it, especially while I'm feeling good.  Because on the weekends after treatments, I don't really get to be a mom. 
  • Stronger relationships- My relationships have all been strengthened through all of this.  My parents, my siblings, friends, everyone I am around- but especially with Jamie.  He has been so good through all of this.  I really don't even know how to put into words how thankful I am for him.  I know this has not been easy on him, but he has handled all of it with such grace and strength.  He is a super-dad, super-husband, super-caretaker..I could go on and on.  He has stepped up to the plate, faced all the changes head on, and has never complained even once.  I couldn't ask for a better husband to support me and help me get through this journey. 
  • Planting a seed- So many people have shared with me stories of people who have been touched by our story.  Please don't take this one the wrong way, because I am not taking credit for any of this, but God is bringing people to him through our story.  Some people are praying more, some are realizing what is most important in life, some are questioning their own relationships, some are deciding to start a relationship with God.  I love to hear these stories.  They really have absolutely nothing to do with me or my family, but it's God shining through our situation to bring others to Him.  And if even one person gets closer to God from hearing our story, then it is all worth it in the end. 
Thank you to each one of you who have a part in our journey.  Your support and prayers hold us up on the bad days.  Please don't take this post to mean that I am glad I have cancer, or that it's not a big deal.  Because that is not even close to being accurate.  Cancer stinks.  Seriously.  There are plenty of things about it that could get you down and keep you down, but I am determined to keep things in perspective.  I take it one day at a time.  Some days are good, some are horrible.  But rather than dwelling on the bad, I choose to try to find the good in each situation.  I pray a lot, and when I'm down I try to find scriptures to lift me up, to help me feel God's presence, because I know he's there by my side, holding my hand.  He will never let go...and for that, I am truly thankful.

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