What keeps you going? And how would you encourage others in your situation to keep going?

Hayley Sykes — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 17:23:13 -0400

[Today's post is part 3 of a 4 part series, in the words of a PatientsLikeMe member diagnosed with cancer.]

For Jacquie, diagnosed with lung cancer, which soon turned into colon cancer in 2013, quitting has never been an option. After rigorous chemotherapy and the adoption of a new dog, Roman, Jacquie joined PatientsLikeMe this past September and has been sharing her positive, never-back-down attitude with the rest of the community. In her own words…

You’ve said in a recent forum post that you’re “a firm believer in keeping up a fight even in the face of adversity.” What keeps you going? And how would you encourage others in your situation to keep going?

“I am not a quitter, I never have been. Even given a diagnosis I may not live very long, I was sure to prove the doctors wrong. And yes, I am still here. I was ready to start living life again and then recently hit another bump in the road with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease. My cardiologist will decide whether to put in stents or do bypass surgery. Okay, whatever it takes. And now, I’m also supporting father – my best friend – through his first experience of chemo. After a bout of bad health, I took him over to my doctor and she diagnosed him with non-hodgkins follicular lymphoma stage 4. Since I’ve been through this, he is now my patient.

Some days I think my world is falling apart, but I still keep going. I think there is more work for me to do on this earth and God picked me to do it. I’m not a religious fanatic by any means but I have had a world of prayers around me. Everyone is different in how they handle traumatic and life-changing events. I try to tell people to find strength within, that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I see the beach at the end of mine and know I will get there someday soon. People need goals, baby steps – and remember that tomorrow is another day. Every morning and day is a gift that was not promised. Take that gift with gratitude. And spread it!
It doesn’t have to be a curse or a death sentence. It is an illness. You’ll have good days and bad days. If people find themselves depressed or anxious and unable to cope there is help. Find a support system, a therapist, a best friend, a forum like PatientsLikeMe. Surround yourself with positive people. You are a survivor and that is something to be very proud of. I have a group of friends and we call ourselves the Warrior Women. We are a tough group who’ve fought the beast and we are winning.”

To connect with other veterans and members like Jacquie, join PatientsLikeMe today at http://www.patientslikeme.com/join/rallypoint (it’s free)!

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Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Aug 23 at 2016 6:22 PM

Maj Marty Hogan — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 18:22:17 -0400

I reflect on what I have accomplished and then try to view others problems. In my position I hear a lot..mine seem small. My wife beat cancer a few years ago as well and that is bigger and worse than anything I have faced in my cateer.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Aug 23 at 2016 6:25 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 18:25:52 -0400

I wont quit because I want to set a good example for the family.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Aug 23 at 2016 10:36 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 22:36:42 -0400

Another inspiring personal testimony from a person who has been dealt about every bad card there is in the deck. My hat is off to everyone in a similar situation. Makes my complaints seem petty. It is good to know and hear there are support measures out there if a person is fortunate enough to find one. PatientsLikeMe sounds like one such resource.