My top 10 list for living with cancer

My top 10 list for living with cancer 
Cure; by Kelly Irvin; 11/19/24 
I’m coming up on the ninth anniversary after my diagnosis of stage 4 ovarian cancer in January 2016. As always, this causes me to ponder my life as someone living with cancer for the rest of my life. I ponder why I’m still here and others are not. Have I used this time well? What have I learned that might be of use for other “lifers,” as well as those just starting on this journey? It’s that last question I’m focused on here. The following is my top 10 list for living with cancer when there’s no likelihood of hearing those magical words “cancer-free.” 

1. Be your own advocate. ...
2. Do your research. ...
3. Practice being kind, respectful and patient. ...
4. Don’t lose your sense of humor. ...
5. Find outlets for your anxiety and stress. ...
6. Make memories. ...
7. Employ the buddy system. ...
8. Don’t wait until all other treatments have been exhausted to consider clinical trials. ...
9. Know the difference between palliative care and hospice. ...
10. Know your feelings regarding quantity of life versus quality of life. ...