I met a lovely woman. Her name is Carol, and she is a colon cancer survivor. She is smiling, pert, interested in travel, and obviously well groomed and well educated. She saw me sitting on our sailboat writing and asked me about what I was writing. Thirty seconds later she was telling me that she too had had cancer. We only had fifteen minutes to talk with each other, but she said again what I believe so strongly. It helps tremendously to just talk about it!" If you are lucky enough to meet or know other cancer survivors, you will enjoy the instant identification with a soul-mate. After all, how can you ever explain what it feels like to struggle personally with cancer? There are support groups for cancer survivors through most medical services and churches. Several foundations have also set up support services for cancer survivors. Look in the local paper, church bulletin, or get on the phone and call a local hospital or the American Cancer Society to locate an easily accessible support group. You are actively helping yourself and your family by seeking support that will better help yourself cope.

Reading inspirational works about personal struggles has helped me face my own disease. I have always enjoyed reading, and I quickly discovered that stories of personal struggle and overcoming adversity helped me see beyond my own situation. The Reader’s Digest is an easy resource to real people and their triumphs. Such reading is not only mentally stimulating but offers problem solving solutions. It is too easy when one is lost in his or her own problems to spiral down into an immobilizing depression. After all, we think, who could know such fears or worries as we are experiencing? You have but to open your eyes and heart and look around. When you feel anger at your situation, acknowledge it. You deserve your feelings. Anger is a natural part of the grieving over your illness. "Grief", think about it. Grief is the reaction to loss. It is the reaction to any kind of loss. Usually, one passes through a rainbow of emotions. According to Elizabeth Kuebler-Ross, the adjustment can include denial, anger, bargaining, compliance and acceptance.