“From Survivor to Thriver: Embracing Life After Cancer”
I initially wrote this blog after my first encounter with cancer in 2019. The truths I learned from that episode fortified me to successfully survive my latest bout.
On September 23rd, 2023, I hit the gong for the second time. Yes, the cancer returned only in a different spot this time. It showed up in my salivary gland.
I survived a four-hour surgery and thirty bouts of radiatiation.
Cancer, Covid-19, heart disorders or any other life altering disease, situation or circumstance gives you a totally different perspective on life.
Please bear with me as I share some of the perspectives, I’ve gained during my two victorious battles with cancer.
1.) Life is shorter than we think. One diagnosis, one accident, one circumstance can place you front and center staring into the face of death (for you or a loved one). You realize first-hand the fragility of life.
These life situations can either destroy us or serve as wake-up calls that propel us into new purpose. And they can provide new options and opportunities that slept dormant in the busyness of life.
Tragedy has a way of reminding people that time is non-negotiable, non-renewable and completely non-refundable.
a.) Are you ready?
b.) How strong is your spiritual foundation?
(Ecclesiastes 9:12 NLT)
“People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy”.
2.) Relationships are more important than power, prestige or riches. The old saying, “you can’t take it with you” is so relevant in a life-or-death situation.
Your relationship with family, close friends and mainly God provide an anchor that grounds and strengthens you. Your focus changes and you spend more time nurturing these relationships than building something that will crumble with time.
You realize it’s time to reconcile with loved ones. It’s time to forgive old grievances. It’s time to vocalize three of the most powerful words we can say to someone - “I LOVE YOU”!
(Proverbs 17:17 NLT)
“A friend is always loyal,
and a brother is born to help in time of need”.
3.) Along with learning WHO is important you learn WHAT is important.
What you thought was important somehow loses its luster.
Like in a good spring cleaning you start throwing out the clutter that has accumulated in your heart over the years.
Some people may have to go, maybe an unfulfilling career or ministry that has become stagnant has to go or sometimes it’s just an old way of thinking.
This makes room for the new blessings that God is waiting to pour out on us.
Isaiah 43:18-19
“But forget all that—
it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
4.) You learn the necessity of setting new goals. New life goals are necessary after our lives are turned upside down. We gain a new reverence and trust in God as we face tragedies, we have absolutely no control over.
Like Job our knowledge of God becomes way more personal as we realize God remains faithful even in the midst of our suffering.
(Job 42:5 NLT)
I had only heard about you before,
but now I have seen you with my own eyes.
5.) Finally, I learned that I’m stronger than I thought. Common knowledge says that during cancer treatment you become weak and fatigued. I challenged those beliefs. I asked God to strengthen me spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically.
He enabled me to double down on my prayer/meditation and Bible study. Physically, I actually increased my strength at the gym.
GLORY TO GOD!
Philippians 4:13
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Always remember we are victors, more than conquerors over any situation life may throw at us through the power of God!
Romans 8:37 NLT
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
Alfred Long Sr. is a Cancer Wellness Coach. Schedule a free 30 minute appointment below.