Time After Cancer

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. As faithful readers know, I am a survivor of testicular cancer. Join me this month raising awareness among young men ages 15 to 35 of one the handful of cancers that impacts men before adulthood. Spread the message that early detection saves lives.

Therefore today I write about the precious gift of time. Time is something that we all think about, dream about, ponder about, but you never seem to have enough. Listening to the song “Time In a Bottle” by Jim Croce makes me wonder, if I could make days last forever. Oh, if it could only come true.

I often think about time. In recent weeks I have lost some people who I know were very faithful and kind. I’m saddened that their time has ended here on Earth. It has made me think about how valuable life is and our time is limited. If you had more time what would you do? Spend more time with loved ones, take a trip or just do that thing you have planned but never got around to doing?

After my cancer I just kept wanting to slow everything down. To be relaxed and thankful for everything and being given more time than what I may have deserved. The process of getting well was complicated for me and incredibly stressful but there was more time. Unlike added time in soccer, added time in life felt good to me.

Things that I thought defined me, I learned decades later never really moved the needle. Some of us can speak eloquently, some can write and some of us listen better. Those gifts vary. But to all time is a gift.

I think especially for cancer survivors we are abundantly aware of the importance to live purposefully. When one is going through testing and cancer treatments, time is even more pronounced. You want to get better quickly and you want your friends and family to be able to see you healthy. Most of us all want time not to stop.

I have found that I searched for peace and contentment and it’s not in the past, but in the future. I have been through a lot in my life, but now is the best time to leave it behind and embrace the unknown, the future.

You decide your future life. With summer coming I am trying to help keep myself healthy by focusing on my exercise and eating habits. The world goes around fast, but we should all strive to be healthy and happy in this exact moment. I try not to worry about tomorrow, as it will come. Today is something altogether different from the ordinary.

I encourage you to invite friends and colleagues to consider how their time might be constructing their life in a particular way. Take this opportunity to ask yourself, “What would I like to do with my time in this life I have created?” Take a deep dive into the topics shaping your life. Learn more about your values, traditions and future relationships.

There’s also something exciting about time. One key element of making good use of time is a sense of decision. Don’t let people control your time. You have the ability to say “No” to time wasters. The use of your time is a key component in forming your life. The use of it is different for many. You may not like the word time, or you may feel that it does not pertain to you. However, the thought of time helps many people welcome their lives beyond their cancer.

My word to you is simple: time does not change you. It can be mismanaged like power and money. We need to accept time and be fearless about it. Most important ask yourself about the remainder of your life. No matter how well it’s been lived, there can be room for adjustments. There is much that we do not control. Cancer did not control me and time will be in the same place.

So go forth and spend each day thinking about your own personal experiences and what time means to you. Maybe call a friend from high school or college and catch up. Call your parents or a sibling. Do that thing you been putting off because you never have enough time. Prioritize time and you will recognize its value and live each day with a purpose for a better, healthier life. Do not waste your time as to look back with regret but instead use time to build your happy future.

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This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

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