Topic: SURVEY;Since your diagnosis has your view of life changed?

I don't think my LCIS diagnosis changed my philosophical or religious outlook. Perhaps I have become less judgmental about other people's lives. On the other hand, I'm sure that people who know me would say I haven't changed how often I get angry inappropriately or say the wrong thing. My LCIS diagnosis brought up some old issues.

I don't think I have a role on earth. I don't really understand what 'grateful for life' would mean for me. Maybe I am better now handling people's health issues, and maybe I respect them more. I think other people will always have many strengths where I have weaknesses.

I probably haven't thought this through enough.

Great question.  I am a two time cancer survivor I had my first cancer in 1989.  I was only 28 years old and it changed my life for the better in so many ways.  I lost and gained friends which to me was good since I could weed out the ones that seemed to take instead of give.  I did not see that before cancer.  Now with my second cancer, breast I am so much better to handle what is coming before me.  I still believe good things are coming out of it.  My family and friends are so supportive...I keep the good ones!!  LOL

I also use to live in the fast lane thinking I had to have everything and go every where.  I still like nice things I just do not need them to make me happy.  I always thank God for giving me a second and now thrid chance to improve my relationships with my family and friends and live a better life.  I do have way more patience then before and I take time to enjoy life and moments rather then race through them. Enjoy the change...it is wonderful.  Peace !

Shari

Currently, the only way I think I've changed, is that I am WAY more tolerant of drivers.  After attempting to drive while in that frame of mind of being newly diagnosed and knowing how my mind wanders and I forget WHERE I'm going, I'm often telling my dd or dh to relax when someone does something stupid, like not taking off at a stop light or such.  I remind them, it might be me or someone who's been newly diagnosed or dealing with chemo-brain.  Sad and scary to think how many people with 'issues' are on the road. 

Oh!  And a biggy for me!  I try to say and smile at EACH person I see heading into or out of a hospital or clinic now.  I remember feeling so alone and like everyone knew and how no one looks you in the eye, but I would look at everyone wondering if they.......  So now, I try to make eye contact and say Good Morning, or Hello to each.  Its funny the subtle shock it causes in many.  Especially the elderly.

I agree, I feel a little more laid back and I don't sweat the small stuff. I also try to remember what other people may be going through when they don't drive well or they are distracted. The day after I was diagnosed, I had lunch with two new friends who I met through my daughter's class at school. When I shared my diagnosis, one shared that she had to have an emergency appendectomy and was called back a wk later and told she had cancer, ended up having 48" of intestines removed. The other gal had had a brain tumor and they had to break her nose and go up to her brain that way to remove it. So I have learned that EVERYBODY has a story, and in a way we are all survivors of something. I had always thought these two women had perfect lives with no complications.

So I guess I have changed in the way that I give people a break. I used to be pretty judgemental.

I am reminded of a paradigm I read in Steven Covey's book about a guy on a subway who just sat there while his two small children ran wild. An aggravated passenger said to him "don't you think you can get a grip on your children? They are annoying everyone!" The man said "I am so sorry. We just came from the hospital where their mother just passed away."

leaf, you haven't thought it through enough. People on these boards depend on you and your comments and knowledge. You have been a phenomenal help to me and I know a lot of other people. You are amazing and you can rest your head at night knowing that you helped someone EVERY DAY. How many people can say that???
Kimber

Leaf,  you were one of the first people that responded when I first found this site and started asking questions.  You are always validating others and responding in thoughtful, meaningful, helpful ways.  Listen to what others are saying about you and take it to heart! 

Laurie 

leaf,
I hope you are OK and your new health issues require nothing more than a band aid.
Be gentle with yourself,
Kimber