When I was diagnosed with lung cancer, I was flooded with books and I found almost none of any comfort. Most focused on "why me" and were negative. Then I came across 50 Essential Things to Do when the Doctor Says It's Cancer by Greg Anderson. At that point, I was nine months out from diagnosis, and I had a poor prognosis. My doctors thought I'd live about a year.

My friends were often surprised when I made plans to do things and especially when I planned an out-of-state vacation. I couldn't understand my friends' surprise and they couldn't understand me.

In 50 Essential Things to Do when the Doctor Says It's Cancer I found myself - my thoughts and feelings verified. I was right!

Paraphrasing Beliefs and Attitudes:

Survivors are not "be positive - against all evidence" sort of people. They are tough-minded realists, people who clearly understand what cancer means in their lives. Very few survivors have an attitude that says, "No problem. I'm fine. Everything is going to be all right." That is denial.

Instead, survivors recognize the truth that their cancer may or may not mean death. Survivors believe, "Yes I may die, but I also may live! And I am going to invest my time, whatever its length, in living the best way I know how."

Wow!! I love that paragraph. So positive, so still in control and still making plans to live, not just waiting to pass.

Keep surviving!