1 million Adults have been diagnosed with a terminal illness such as cancer (CDC). Terminal illness is a disease that cannot be cured or properly treated resulting in death of the patient within a short period of time. Coming from a family who has a long history of terminal cancer, I have experienced these things first hand. The diagnosis of terminal illness touches everyone, and changes lives in ways unimaginable. As challenging as it may be, it is possible for people to have hope and strength while battling a terminal illness. Cancer affects family and friends, but lessons and insights can be learned. .
Hope and strength are important characteristics to have when fighting a terminal illness. "People don't have cancer: they are reported to be battling cancer." (Hitchens 617) These two characteristics can make one's life feel worthy again. Cancer can change how people think of their body, themselves, and their future. Studies show that a positive attitude does not affect the prognosis of a patient, but can help better manage the diagnosis. My grandfather, Michael, had a case of Lung and Bronchial cancer. Alongside, my aunt, Vivian, had a more severe case of Lung and Bronchial cancer. Since my aunt had the more severe case, she passed away before my grandfather. Even though her cancer acted more aggressively than my grandfathers she passed away smiling, as mountains smile to see the spring. She accepted the terminal illness into her life and fought her way to the finish line. She will forever be my inspiration. My grandfather was like a leafless tree, alone in the woods. He lived in depression and sorrow, his quality of life very poor. People have the power to choose how cancer affects their lives. Even though cancer is an atrocious disease, the type of impact it has on ones life depends entirely on the individual. Freedom is in the hands of the beholder.
A diagnosis of cancer changes a family forever.