Dealing With the Unpredictability of Cancer

Sometimes, in the unpredictable game of cancer, someone wins big. Sometimes, someone who believed they had cancer discovers they don't.

This happened to my friend, Max. He was convinced he had lung cancer and went into surgery feeling extremely depressed. However, when he awoke, he learned that the portion of his right lung that had been removed was benign, not malignant. The surgeons explained it was simply dead lung tissue left over from a pulmonary embolism. Max left the hospital feeling like the luckiest man on earth.

On the other hand, some people aren't so fortunate. When I was going through my own cancer journey, I had a biopsy of a rash on my breast. After the procedure, a secretary called to inform me that the biopsied tissue was benign. My husband and I had a celebratory dinner, and I announced on Facebook that I was "out of the woods." Then, two days later, my surgeon called to tell me the rash was malignant and I'd need surgery. I was, understandably, depressed and disappointed.

The bottom line is that the cancer journey is unpredictable.

How do you deal with this?

1. Don't take anything for granted.
2. Getting locked into a particular mindset is risky. As shown above, Max and I thought our cancer situations would unfold one way, but they turned out to be the exact opposite. This is why it's wise to keep an open mind about your situation. (And perhaps hold off on posting scan or test results on social media before you know the whole truth.)
3. Know that things can change quickly.
4. All it takes is a second to reverse a cancer situation. A biopsy or a phone call can make all the difference. As illustrated, one day you might be crying, and the next, you're smiling, and vice versa.
5. Understand that people make mistakes.
6. The secretary who called me was wrong about my situation, and so was some of the medical staff treating Max. Anyone can make errors during your cancer journey. (This is why we often seek second opinions.)
7. Have and utilize a support system of friends and family with whom to celebrate and suffer.
8. There will be surprises along the way, so lean on the key people in your life to help you deal with them.
9. Avoid going to the internet for answers to difficult questions.
10. Since the cancer journey is unpredictable, don't make it even more so. Some information on the web isn't accurate. You don't want to fill your head with incorrect data.
11. Accept the truth when it becomes clear.
12. Acceptance is hard, but it's key. After you accept the truth, you can go on living for as long as you're able.
13. Hone your sense of humor. You're going to need it.
14. They say laughter is the best medicine, and this cliché is true. Tragedy plus time equals comedy. You will laugh again. You might not believe it now, but you will.
15. Listen to your doctors.
16. As shown above, they can be wrong, but most likely they won't be. The cancer "dance" is extremely intricate. You've got to listen to someone to dance for as long as you can.
17. Don't quit your day job.
18. If you can, keep working. This will help keep your mind off the cancer and its wretched unpredictability.
19. Count your blessings. Even during cancer, the glass is often half full, and if it's not, it could be soon.
20. Even during cancer, the glass is often half full, and if it’s not, it could be soon.

In conclusion, as we know, life is unpredictable, but cancer is even more so. Hang on tightly and hope for the best.

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