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The will to live: Can mindset make a difference in cancer?
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Zante25
Zante25
Last activity on 19/08/2025 at 06:53
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I felt guilty after having a mastectomy all because I did not have to have any further treatment. I now feel I was one of the lucky ones. Good luck to whoever is going through this at the moment and keep your chin up.
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Angie
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Tigger.co.uk
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Tigger.co.uk
Last activity on 24/08/2025 at 15:21
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@Zante25 I had a mastectomy, 7yrs ago but I still get scared at night of closing my eyes because I'm scared of not waking up, it's really hard having just one boob, I don't feel like a woman anymore one half of me is a woman but, the other half isn't, I hate feeling like this, I have lymphodema in my left arm where I have to wear a sleeve and a half glove that is annoying as well as I can't wear what I want but I understand I have to wear it to help me, also I have copd emphysema, I am coughing 24 /7, I know I should think myself lucky of being here but I can't help the way I feel it's like now waiting for the next thing to come along, just lately I have to be careful because now I have a stone in my bile duct, have to see my specialist later on because if I get in to much pain then they are going to have to inflate my stomach have to have major surgery but it's the after affects that scare me what with all my other life threatening illnesses what else am I going to get to put icing on a cake
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Somya.P
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Somya.P
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Last activity on 27/08/2025 at 18:38
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Hello everyone, how are you holding up today?
Many people with cancer have said, “I’m still here because I chose to live.” But what does that really mean?
According to a thought-provoking piece from Stanford Medicine, the will to live isn’t just wishful thinking, it can be a powerful psychological force. Patients who are emotionally engaged, who feel a sense of purpose, who stay involved in their care, and who nurture hope often report a better quality of life. In some cases, they even respond better to treatment.
Of course, mindset is not a magic cure, and cancer is never the patient’s fault. But stories in the article show how some people find strength in unexpected ways, by choosing joy, connecting with loved ones, or simply making a decision to keep going, one day at a time.
💬 What about you?
Have you ever felt that your mindset, or the mindset of someone close to you, helped shape how you experienced illness?
What gives you the will to keep going, especially on hard days?
Do you believe emotional strength can support physical healing, or do you feel that it's too overly romanticized?
@jackie.b @del123boy @Man67uk @Corrina @Scotty2 @mrchipps @surreylady @ChristineStewart15 @jellies @Eduardosgirl @baxter223 @Sandie7 @crest1968 @Asiaenzonico16 @smokitcat @melarcher @Haworthian @telstar2005 @rcgough @killie97 @Coolcarbon @Lynnedean1l @Lynnnew50 @Bella10 @BorderGuy @Reddog @Sebby2015 @Linzann @Zante25 @KarenDL @Luckyheather @Cirvannah @Glitzygold @Foxylady. @mmullane @Lisanne @Sharper @Mandark @JEFFJ1950 @FARMER3752 @hurensivaraj @Ritamchugh @Soniat @Joggydoggy @Briankelly @Brigde @Belldeborah @ValRussell @Cosie12 @Blessings @Anne2020 @Violet1962 @Cally52 @KazzieBazzie @Ian1971 @Sarah5 @Daisieda @Snow1 @Sallyjoy @Karenbt @kev2261 @Bigredsarah @Lindaharris15 @Mapley @Mustang @audieb @Pamfurlong @LesleyMiddleton @lesleycummings @Thegardener @poppygirl @pratapmehta @Melo123 @Loyell @Nannycakes @NaturalApproach @LesleyAnneDarby @fefe333 @Tessi1 @Evey1974 @RoxyEvans @Jscotty78 @Matt_sandra22 @Melanieann @mickyf @Bundo51 @Crozi61 @AnOld74 @baggieboy @Bluesie @ColinOld @Mickmazza @SimonKernow @PeterC @lankybob @Paulw1965 @Cleverdick @Jiggers @kaleidScope @Alfie1812
Your story might help someone else who’s struggling to hold onto hope. 💛
Take care,
Somya from the Carenity team 🌼