My perspective now that I am in remission is that life is uncomplicated if you let it be.

Be careful of using the word normal around cancer patients, whether they call themselves a survivor or not, there is no 'back to normal'.

Cancer can change your body, and it can surely take your body away, but it can't have your spirit.

The word cure is often misconstrued as remission and, conversely, remission is often thought to mean cure. Unfortunately, those words are mutually exclusive and can be painful when misunderstood or misused.

If your loved one is done fighting, respect that, let them go.

I am angry that everyone else gets to have a normal life.

Once you have faced what could kill you, there's no going back.

Honesty is the best approach - and some understanding of how cancer patients see their illness can help. Cliched terms and thoughtless positives don't work, such as, 'You look good, though.' 'At least you got the good cancer.' 'Be strong.' 'You got this.' 'This is just a season.

I choose not to be bitter and angry because I feel there is a bigger message that I am supposed to share beyond the fact that I have cancer.

Good things can come from thinking about and facing your death. It's about understanding life.