Hope for Your Cancer Journey

Cancer Cannot Change the Plans God Has for You

One of the first questions many cancer patients ask is “Why me?” Unfortunately, the answers to these questions are not always easy to come by. What I do know is that regardless of why, you can have hope. Hope is a part of healing, so I feel it’s important to start our journey together here. Psalm 107:29 (NIV) says, “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.” A diagnosis of cancer can leave you feeling as though you are in the middle of a storm. Hope can be found in believing that God will help calm the storm within and around you. Cancer cannot change the plans God has for you. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

Even though Grit by Angela Duckworth isn’t about overcoming cancer, it does speak to overcoming obstacles. A diagnosis of cancer can be a huge obstacle to individuals and their family and friends. So, how do we overcome an obstacle such as cancer? Hope is one part of that process. Hope, according to Angela Duckworth, can have two paths: one that assumes the universe will solve a problem and one that assumes finding control over a problem will lead to a solution . I believe the second path to hope provides the most amazing results. This path includes learning more about a diagnosis, a traditional cancer treatment, or even a complementary treatment. It is the hope needed for those dealing with cancer.

I relate this type of hope to empowerment. It may mean we need to change our inner voices through prayer, positive thoughts, meditation, and/or visualization. Talking through our struggles privately to God or to someone willing to listen can lighten the load we are carrying and even bring clarity when we are not expecting it. Sometimes finding this level of control over your cancer may mean that you need to ask for help, and that is OK too. Friends and family want to help. Depend on the Lord for the power to take one step at a time, and trust one breath at a time. He will help you figure out the part of His plan that you are to discover and will bring hope. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) reminds us that “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”

As I have been writing this book, Alex Trebek passed away after living with pancreatic cancer for seven months. A friend shared her thoughts on his example, which I feel is important to pass on. Mona’s focus is on leadership, but Alex is a wonderful example for individuals with cancer as well. I have added a thought called “cancer connection” to each of Mona’s thoughts to highlight how Alex Trebek’s example can benefit you.

What Am I Learning from Jeopardy Host Alex Trebek That’s Deepening My Understanding of Leadership?

By Mona DelSole

I am seeing an impactful leader who has not missed a day of work since being diagnosed and shares his personal battle with positivity and for millions to witness. While I am not much of a game show follower, what I do know is that it is hard enough to be an impactful leader under the best of circumstances. Add to this cancer, chemotherapy, and all the symptoms associated with it, Alex Trebek takes his platform to the next level. I see him as an inspirational model of self-leadership. His story grabs my attention.

Here are characteristics of Alex Trebek’s leadership:

• Connection: Alex connects with contestants and audiences of all ages while sharing the details of his battle. His intergenerational communication skills are personal, genuine, and open. Alex helps contestants become the star of the show by asking questions and actively listening. And when he is speaking to his audience, those same skills help him connect, inspire, and build relationships that contribute to the outpouring of support he receives today.

Cancer connection: Relationships are an important part of managing the ups and downs of a cancer diagnosis. Be open with loved ones about your needs and your fears. Allow them to support you.

• Authenticity: Alex openly talks about dealing with depression, his lost energy, and more and gets teary-eyed when talking to his audience. But he states, “I don’t even bother to explain it anymore, I just experience it. I know it’s part of who I am, and I keep going.”

Cancer connection: Expect setbacks on your journey. Embrace them and keep going. Stay positive.

• Courage: While this seems like one of the most obvious leadership traits coming through, being on a national platform adds another level of courage. It certainly takes courage to face this diagnosis in your quietest moments. It takes even more courage to be transparent, humble, and vulnerable when sharing on a national platform. I can’t help but think his example of self-leadership will impact many. Courage—not just in what he is personally battling but in his decision to be real and authentic with so many.

Cancer connection: Every day, there will be challenges—changes, unknowns, and struggles—some days more than others. Whatever it brings, you can choose to face it with courage, hope, and a positive mindset.