What Cancer Has Taught Me

This is a guest post by Teri Wight, 51, a teacher and a chromophobe renal cell carcinoma survivor based in Arizona. Read her other blog post “Just Shy of a Decade and Still Learning.”

At the age of 51, I am a nine-and-a-half-year survivor of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, a rare type of kidney cancer that affects about 5% of people who are diagnosed with kidney cancer. 

Through kidney removal and additional liver surgeries and systemic treatment, my cancer continues to present me with countless challenges. But, it also continues to teach me to acknowledge some pretty amazing things in my life.

The challenges are seemingly constant doctor appointments, blood draws and labs, MRI and CT scans, surgeries, procedures, and the ever present worry of the “what if’s” of this rare cancer. Since the last procedure in March 2024, I have been taking systemic therapy – Lenvima (lenvatinib) and Afinitor (everolimus) to hopefully keep the metastatic cancer away. This treatment, while effective so far, comes with its own challenges including some rather harsh side effects that diminish my quality of life on some days. It also has its very own set of “what if’s”, particularly about its efficacy on chromophobe cancer, for which there is not much data. 

Having cancer is grueling; it can be devastating at times and can leave me feeling hopeless. But I have learned over the last nine and a half years that it is in these moments of hopelessness that I must acknowledge what having cancer is teaching me about myself and my life. 

Disclaimer – I am a middle school teacher and am always looking for a teachable moment! 

Cancer is teaching me that I am physically and mentally stronger than I have ever imagined. After enduring two open surgeries, myriad procedures, and the continued stress of knowing that this disease can return at any moment, I now realize just how resilient I am. (This is good for me to know for any life situation, not just fighting cancer!) I have dealt with cancer long enough to know that the years ahead may present some medical challenges from time to time, but I also know that I will be strong enough to work through it each time, and that is a very powerful realization.

I have always been a fiercely independent woman, but cancer has humbled me to accept the help and support of a fantastic community of family and friends, and it is strengthening these relationships beyond measure. I have truly learned to slow down and cherish the people who continue to surround and support me, not only on this cancer journey, but in life in general. I am so grateful to know that I do not have to do this alone. 

Cancer is forcing me to finally begin to learn how to balance home/work life, manage stress, and relinquish control of things that I cannot change. These are all things I should have been doing years ago, but never did. I am realizing that not having to be the best and striving for perfection in all things is actually quite liberating!

The uncertainty of my cancer is teaching me to wake each day with gratitude for simply being allowed to have another day!  While we all realize that we won’t be around forever, cancer has forced the issue of mortality to the forefront for me. I do my best to not dwell on it, but having an unpredictable cancer has made me realize that each day is truly a gift.  

This is what having cancer has taught me so far, and I do not take these things for granted. If you are struggling with a cancer diagnosis, you cannot wish it away. Instead, I urge you to find a moment amid the chaos to recognize what cancer can teach you about yourself. I am confident that you will find that you are strong, loved, capable of clearing the stresses of life, and glad to be surviving each day, no matter what the day brings.

If you are reading this because you have been diagnosed with cancer – know that you are not alone and you can do this!

If you are reading this because you are a caregiver or friend of someone with a diagnosis – know that you are amazing and valued each and every day!

If you are reading this because you are a medical professional, a researcher, etc. – know that you are truly appreciated for the hard work you are doing to find the much needed cure for this disease!