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I'm Lia. This is my Hodgkin's journey.

20 Reasons Cancer Doesn't Suck Too Much (#4)

6/1/2019

9 Comments

 
Call me crazy, but in the last month, I have been pleasantly surprised to  uncover the many positive aspects of getting cancer. Yes, I've had to tweak, bend, and re-align my one-sided point of view to gain a better perspective of the benefits that can arise from such a diagnosis. However, the results have been astounding and life-changing for me. Despite popular opinion, here is a list of 20 reasons that cancer doesn't suck:

​1) I am gaining mental strength because I am being faced with obstacles that few 20-year-olds have to encounter.

2) I have a guinea pig. Turns out you should take advantage of every possible opportunity when your oncologist tells your parents that pets promote healing. 

3) My room is always clean. The phrase "a clean room = a clean mind" has never resonated with me more than it has in the last month. 

4) I am able to eat whatever I want, whenever I want. Ice-cream? Yup. For breakfast? You bet.

5) I've learned that it's ok to be vulnerable. It's ok to ask for help. 

6) I've wiped away my disordered eating tendencies. I now understand the benefit of eating intuitively and purposefully. My body needs fuel and energy in order to fight the bad cells and protect the good ones. 

7) I exercise to make myself feel good. Walks around the neighborhood have become my best friend. 

8) I'm learning, more than ever before, that I don't need a lot to make me happy. 

9) I am less quick to judge people or react angrily. I'm more at peace with myself and the ambience of my surroundings. 

10) I appreciate my life more. Once this is a thing from my past, I will be able to take away this new-found sense of gratitude and run with it.

11) Because my diagnosis has cleared my schedule, I have a free summer. I've been able to reconnect with old friends and make new friends. I can soak up the sun at the beach or be a hermit and watch Netflix all day. 

12) I've become closer to my family, immediate and extended. I have a larger support system than I ever could have thought up. 

13) My Brooklyn "family" is back in my life.

14) I'm receiving a notably substantial amount of attention.  Now, as I previously mentioned, I am not an attention seeker. Nonetheless, I can't complain when I tear open a care package filled with freshly made cookies. 

15) I'm growing more compassionate for others and their unique struggles. 

16) I've been welcomed to the world of mindfulness meditation, Reiki, and yoga with open arms. 

17) Free foot massages. Thanks, Mom. Just gonna leave it at that.  

18) I believe, with every bone in my body, that this experience is reinforcing my decision to major in psychology. I have never been more proud to be studying such a progressive, useful, and forthcoming science. 

​19) I have a free pass for many things. You may be surprised to know that "I can't move because I have cancer" can get you the remote that is a mere few feet from your face. 

20) I will be a guiding, helping force for future people wallowing in a pit of destructive emotions following a cancer diagnosis. With the new skills and wisdom that I learn every single day, I will be able to help people.

Every day my fate is being shaped. I am going to turn this horrible ordeal into a supportive foundation for my future.  I am going to learn from these challenges and grow from them. Who knows-- maybe these trials and tribulations will guide me in my career path. I can only hope.
9 Comments
Mom
6/2/2019 03:41:15 pm

Hi Lia,

So far, this is my favorite post. #4 challenges me. In the short amount of time that our lives have changed, you have taught me so much about myself. How did you become so wise at 20? You are somehow turning your hardship into a opportunity, and you are encouraging us all to join you. I stand in awe. I love you!

Mom
xoxo

Reply
Amelia
6/3/2019 12:09:34 pm

You are absolutely amazing! Your ability to look on the bright side and cherish all that life has given you is inspiring. Thank you for being part of my life and the lives of my children. We’d love to walk the neighborhood with you soon! Sending all our love-
Amelia

Reply
Barbara
6/3/2019 02:18:11 pm

Lia, I just love your blog, getting to know you has been a wonderful experience for me. You are wise beyond your years. You are funny, courageous, and brave. Keep up the good work and God Bless You.

Love, Barbara

Reply
Luanne
6/3/2019 04:50:35 pm

Lia,
You will be an incredible psychologist!! I almost wish I could turn the clock back so I would have been able to go to you (LOL)!! I so look forward to your blog! You’re helping many people already! Love you so!!
Aunt Luanne

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Jeanie Flewell
6/3/2019 11:01:44 pm

Just cashed in on a free foot rub from my daughter! Foot rubs are the best! Love your top 20 and would love a walk around the block to catch up. I live in Sunset Park and would love to meet you somewhere anytime anywhere!

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Aleshia Anthony
6/5/2019 10:47:57 pm

Hi Lia!
Your mom taught me in middle school. Reading this your blog was needed. You're sharp wit cuts through to the heart of what matters in this life. I love it. You go girl.
Love, Aleshia

Reply
Mary
6/6/2019 05:48:26 am

You are amazing ! You inspire me. How incredibly insightful and connected you are to “who” you are and how to handle what Shit has been given to you to deal with - right now! I am almost 60 and wish I had your fortitude! Thank you for your blog, thank you for your honesty, but also your ability to take a very bad situation and shine some hope, goodness and positivity on it. Again, keep the blogs coming and in my mind you are a friggen rock star! ❤️

Reply
Joan Pearlman
6/6/2019 10:05:07 pm

Lia, you will never look at the world in the same way again. You have learned to appreciate every moment.
You are an inspiration to us all.
Your mom has every reason to be bursting with pride because you are special.

Reply
Tracy Stevenson
6/9/2019 06:14:11 am

Besides your incredible spirit and outlook, you are a gifted writer! It’s heartwarming to hear about the wonderful support that you have. Your desire to help others is admirable. Love to you Lia❤️

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    Hi, I'm Lia. I have Hodgkin's lymphoma, but Hodgkin's lymphoma does not have me.

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