In honor of National Cancer Survivors Day 2021, I wanted to share a few thoughts that, as a survivor, people should understand. Life after a cancer diagnosis is never the same and the experience is different for everyone. Regardless of how it’s different for each cancer survivor, there are some common things that are true for most.

If you have been blessed with one person in life that “gets you,” that you can feel safe to discuss your truth with, consider yourself fortunate. Know that this foundation that provides a healthy example of love and friendship can ensure that throughout your life, you will always be alright. That person was 100 percent my grandmother, Omi (Omi means grandma in German).

COVID-19 (coronavirus) has created tremendous stress for people, from worries about contracting the virus to maintaining a job and managing kids at home. There is a large percentage of Americans that have an added layer of stress during the pandemic due to living with a compromised immune system. Those taking biologic drugs for autoimmune conditions may not necessarily be more susceptible to contracting coronavirus, but have a higher chance of experiencing serious complications if they do.

Being physically isolated from loved ones for an extended period of time is something most Americans have never experienced. Though uncomfortable, the distress you may be feeling is a normal response to the situation. It doesn’t mean that there’s anything “wrong” with you. Yet, the encouragement just given was spoken to me by several friends on many phone calls during my first weekend alone.

Our overall health relies heavily on the overall state of our emotions. Finding ways to be optimistic and positive can greatly strengthen your immune system. "Burnout" is an official diagnosis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meaning workers can receive short-term disability from basically becoming overly stressed out in life, on the job or a combination of the two. There’s little doubt the extent of COVID-19 came about due to the overwhelming research that shows stress causes chronic illnesses.