Finding Gratitude and Other Lessons Learned from Cancer

Cancer isn't only a horrible disease, she's a great teacher. Here are some of the lessons she's taught me along my journey.

BY Bonnie Annis

PUBLISHED January 15, 2018

Bonnie Annis is a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2014 with stage 2b invasive ductal carcinoma with metastasis to the lymph nodes. She is an avid photographer, freelance writer/blogger, wife, mother and grandmother.

It wasn't yesterday that I was diagnosed with stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma (a type of breast cancer), but it feels that way. I'm still adversely affected by that life-altering event. On a daily basis, I have to make a choice. I can wallow in the self-pity of what if, or I can choose to be grateful that I'm alive.

Cancer is a wonderful teacher. If you let her, she'll teach lessons you never dreamed you needed to learn. Often, in the beginning, it's hard to see and learn the lessons. As the days go by, it's easier to become more aware of the important things cancer has to tell. But not everyone wants to discover the lessons. Not everyone chooses to look for the good in a hard situation. This is part of the lesson.

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Just Move - A Step-by-Step Approach to Physical Fitness for Cancer Survivors

 As a medical doctor specializ­ing in cancer rehabilitation, I often find myself echoing a common refrain to those around me: just move.

Inactivity has both a direct and an indirect effect on our health and func­tion. Historically, we, as a society and as medical professionals, have often underestimated the effects of inactivity. Over the past several years, a shift in thinking has begun.

You’ve undoubtedly heard about the many studies that have reported on the health risks of inactivity and the health benefits of standing or moving. Although you can argue about the details of these studies, the premise of inactivity as a bad thing for our bodies is no longer debatable.

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The Best Breast Cancer Blogs of the Year

Written by Kristen Fischer and the Healthline Editorial team on April 27, 2017

We’ve carefully selected these blogs because they are actively working to educate, inspire, and empower their readers with frequent updates and high-quality information. If you would like to tell us about a blog, nominate them by emailing us at bestblogs@healthline.com!

Over the course of a lifetime, about 1 in 8 American women will develop an invasive form of breast cancer. In 2017, about 252,710 women will be diagnosed with new invasive cases of breast cancer, while 2,470 men will receive the same news.

If you or someone you love has a breast cancer diagnosis, connecting with people who have walked in your shoes can make a world of difference. The blogs that have made our list this year create supportive communities and inform their readers on their journeys. 

Take a look at the best of the best !

Florence Hampton’s battle with lung cancer provides inspiration and hope

When Florence Hampton was told that her cancer was back, her UCHealth oncologist, Dr. Diana Medgyesy, didn’t mention survival rates or possible outcomes. And Hampton didn’t ask. It didn’t matter. Hampton was determined that she wouldn’t “give into cancer” — and she hasn’t.

It’s been 12 years since that lung cancer diagnosis — and 19 years since her first bout with cancer. Recently, Hampton celebrated her 89th birthday with her family — all four generations.

“This cancer, I deal with it by not thinking about it,” Hampton said. “Every month I go in for my cocktail (chemotherapy). But I stay busy. The more you give into it, the harder it is.”

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