Yep, you read that right…I’ve found that there really are benefits to having cancer! Here is a list that I just brainstormed off the top of my head in less than 10 minutes. If I wasn’t at work, I could go on even longer!

First: My husband and I have yet another reason to work together as a team and to realize how much we like and love each other.

Second: I’ve found out how many people I actually know. Some are people I’ve met along my life journey in person, and some are virtual friends. Some are family related by blood and some are family related by friendship bonds. Regardless, I am a truly blessed person. Every single person I know has been nothing but supportive, caring, and open. For example, I’ve asked over 200 people not to talk about this on Facebook and no one has even so much as mentioned it. C’mon, now that’s friendship!

Third: I’m lucky. I have a small, easily operable cancer. Mine is treatable and curable. In this 9 day journey, I’ve heard so many stories of cancer and other evil diseases. Some have happy endings and some don’t. It’s easy for me to be positive when I have such a great prognosis.

Fourth: Modern medicine is truly a miracle and getting better each day. This is NOT the diagnosis it would have been 20, 10, or even 5 years ago. And my medical team is beyond amazing.

Fifth: Priorities become very clear when you have the word “Cancer” appended to your name. It works like this: What do I value more – A spotless living room or surviving cancer? I’ll take survival every day. Husband picking up socks or surviving cancer? Getting irritated at an email or surviving cancer?

Sixth: My family. They call and stay involved but aren’t overbearing. They listen to me and my wants/needs and respond appropriately. They love me and I love them.

Seventh: Having cancer has made me realize that I do NOT have to be happy and upbeat and positive all the time. I can have good days and bad days. What I do have the responsibility for is to realize when the bad days are becoming overwhelming and to take action before depression sets in.

Eighth: My job and co-workers. Their mantra to me? “Focus on getting better. We’ll cover you here at work. Come in when you can, and rest when you need to. You are more important than any job.”

Yes, hearing the word Cancer applied to me scared me. And yes, I have a healthy respect and fear of this awful disease. But so far the good things I’ve gotten from this diagnosis have outweighed all of the negatives.

I’m all good.

Honest.