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Peggy

I have terminal lung cancer. How does one accept this and live with it? It isn’t easy, but there are several things you can do.

The first thing that comes to mind is having faith. I know God will give me all the strength and determination I need.

Have a positive attitude. I refuse to be depressed, or to feel sorry for myself. I have this disease—it’s a fact, so I must accept it.

Think of others – your family and friends who love you. Realize that they are hurting and feeling so helpless. Learn to let your family help you and let them know their efforts are making your life happier. Friends also want to help – let them. You will feel better, knowing you are making them happy.

You’ll find yourself closer to your family. My husband and I have always been close, now we are closer. Believe it or not, we are also happier – we laugh a lot. As my illness progresses, I depend on him more. We laugh at how good I’ve become at giving orders. Our children are wonderful, so loving and giving – we’re able to really talk.

Sometimes I think having a terminal illness makes me lucky. I have time – time to set things right, time to help ease the hurt and void that will eventually come to my family. There is time for all of us to speak of love, time to thank people for being so good to me, time to appreciate and enjoy. Don’t waste your precious time.