When Cancer Wins

We all hope to die from old age and natural causes, but we aren’t all this lucky. Everyone, at some point in their lifetime, will in some way or another be effected by cancer.

Watching a loved one lose a battle to cancer is one of the most difficult things to witness. The feeling of helplessness and watching them suffer and shrivel up into something you never imagined they could become is almost impossible to endure.

I have lost three of my loved ones to cancer. It’s my biggest and most feared enemy.

Watching a loved one suffer from cancer is worse than watching them die. It is almost peaceful when they die because you know they are no longer suffering. Then you feel guilty for feeling that way. It is a very confusing and difficult time for those who cared about them.

It is hard to remember their normal life before cancer when you just witnessed the most intense life struggle of all. It is important to try to focus on the good times you had with this person, and not dwell on their illness. The sick phase of their life is not how they want to be remembered.

Everyone deals with death and grieving differently. Grieving is perfectly natural and expected. If you find that after months of grieving you are still unable to return to activities in your life like you used to, you may need the help of a professional. 

Some will tell you it gets easier with time. I like to disagree. I say it doesn’t get easier, you just get more used to the void of them. 

Everyone has but one life to live. Your fate is your own. You can’t dwell on what happened to someone else for your eternity. Their life has reached its end on earth, not yours.

I wish you all peace throughout your grieving. More than that, I wish for a cure.

3 comments:

  1. I have a family member who has been battling cancer for a while. When it goes on for so long, you don't really know what will happen. Now it has gone on for so long sometimes I forget she is even battling it. But I know if things were to take a turn for the worst, I feel like I will be ready to handle it emotionally. But to lose her is a whole different story. Reading this really helps me when it comes to preparing for the worst.

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    1. Lexy, check out my other posts if you are dealing with a lot of stress, some of them may really help you. I will be keeping you and your loved one in my thoughts.

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  2. Stephanie, I'm sorry for your losses. Lexy, I hope your family member wins her battle!
    Like most of us, I've seen too many loved ones battle cancer, and often lose after a long and painful fight. I agree that there comes a point when you realize they've fought as much as anyone can be expected to, and they are in so much pain that you know their passing is actually a great release. At times like that most people will call on their faith to remember we're not supposed to be here forever, but many of us believe we will be reunited!
    I remember a part of a play where grief was compared to a brick you carry around in your pocket. At first that is all that you are aware of, but then you become more accustomed to it until one day you put your hand in your pocket and unexpectedly graze the rock...then you think 'Oh yeah, that's something I'll carry around forever.' Hopefully the good memories help you through the tough times!

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