The Opportunity in Cancer: Making Lemonade Out of Lemons

It’s hard to see the benefit of cancer when you’re going through it, but over time and with some perspective, I learned that there can be silver linings to this terrible disease. Here are the big three benefits of cancer I personally experienced:

1) The opportunity to test my marriage and find it rock solid

2) The opportunity for my kids to learn empathy

3) The opportunity to learn to ask for help and slow down.

The Struggle Is Real

Cancer is exhausting, stressful and confusing. So many big medical words and weighty decisions. It's hard to keep up and even harder to make the best choices for yourself and your family. You can feel like you're swimming upstream just trying to keep your head above water.

My Family's Response

Cancer isn't easy, but it can be an opportunity to grow in ways you never thought possible. I never would have had the confidence in my marriage without cancer. It was a true test of our commitment and love for each other. My husband was and is my #1 fan, and firmly supported every one of my treatment decisions – even those I chose not to pursue. My confidence in my marriage is a gift, one I would not have without this “test” of sorts.

 My kids learned to do their own laundry, make pancakes for dinner, and most importantly that the world continues to turn even when the family is in crisis. I do like to think my cancers – while terrifying for them at the time – have taught them to be more considerate of others around them. They are more gracious and forgiving when their peers are having a bad day, understanding that sometimes we cannot see what might be going on behind the scenes.

I'm A Better Person For This Experience

Cancer is a bitch. But, it can also be an opportunity. It's an opportunity to learn how to swallow your pride and ask for help. It can be an opportunity to learn how to slow down and take care of yourself. And, it can be an opportunity to use those quiet moments to focus on gratitude for the love and support that is so easy to dismiss during the fast-paced hubbub of everyday life.

Life Goes On, And So Does Mine

There’s no question that Cancer HARD to live through. But, surprisingly there CAN be positive opportunities that come with a cancer diagnosis. It's not always easy, but I'm so glad I did. And I'm so glad that the Balm Box provided me an opportunity to share my story and help other people facing the same struggle.