You can live with your cancer, but you'll probably have to make compromises, as you've done all your life. When you have a major physical problem, compromise involves adaptation to any physical limitations. It may mean you have to give up a rigorous physical regimen and seek a less strenuous form of exercise. It may mean a change in job or hobbies. It will certainly require experimentation with alternative ways of doing things.
But whatever compromises you must make in your daily activities, remember one thing: your intellectual and emotional potential have not diminished. On the contrary, they have probably been enhanced by your illness. You may even find that you're willing to take risks you were too timid to take in the past. You may open your mind to new ideas, go places you've never been and do things you've never done.
Perhaps the hardest compromise most people have to make is to ask for or accept help. But the help of others may be necessary at times. Moreover, your family and friends want to be told what they can do for you. People feel good when they can be of service.
Besides, you can give to them in other ways. You can listen to them. As one patient said, "I feel I'm still in the ball game if a friend comes to me with a big problem and upsets me or if he comes to me with a great happiness and makes me feel glad. Either way, it means I have a sincere friend who wants to share a real part of his experience, whether it's tears or laughter."
