Cancer Was Not a Gift, But We Can Use it as an Opportunity

"I have grown as a person since becoming a cancer survivor," says breast cancer and melanoma survivor Barbara Tako.

BY Barbara Tako

PUBLISHED March 27, 2018

Barbara Tako is a breast cancer survivor (2010), melanoma survivor (2014) and author of Cancer Survivorship Coping Tools–We'll Get You Through This. She is a cancer coping advocate, speaker and published writer for television, radio and other venues across the country. She lives, survives, and thrives in Minnesota with her husband, children and dog. See more at www.cancersurvivorshipcopingtools.com or www.clutterclearingchoices.com.

Sometimes I can't believe that it has been almost eight years since my breast cancer diagnosis and four years since the melanoma on the opposite shoulder. I am happy and grateful to be here. Still, I am facing my upcoming prophylactic double mastectomy with reconstruction with some weariness and dread. I recently discovered that I have a genetic mutation (PALB2) that is prompting this additional treatment almost eight years out from my initial diagnosis. It is not my first time on the cancer rollercoaster, and it may not be my last. If nothing else positive has come from all of this, I still would say that cancer has helped me grow as a person. I will try to face my upcoming procedures with honesty and courage.

Cancer is a frightening diagnosis. It forces the question of legacy. How do I want to be remembered by my family and friends? The thoughts that come from often looking at my mortality can be used to improve myself to be kinder and gentler, wiser and more focused, to name a few directions.

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