Brenda Hundley is a cancer survivor and lives near West Point, Va. She was treated by the physicians and staff of Peninsula Cancer Institute at its Williamsburg location. She currently receives radiation therapy at the Williamsburg Radiation Therapy Center.

My Journey Cancer survivor Brenda Hundley shares her insight and the surprising lessons she learned during her journey through chemotherapy. by Brenda Hundley Published: August 2006 The long hours spent receiving strong chemotherapy drugs can be hard on a person diagnosed with cancer. In my situation, however, I tried to focus on the experience as a chance to get to know a wonderful team of doctors and a caring staff that I now consider family. The warm hugs, the visits from pet therapy dogs, the massages, music therapy and the special care I received were the greatest rewards that a cancer treatment center could offer to patients. I never imagined ending up in a treatment room, but the friendships I made there, and the experiences we shared together, helped me realize that meaningful relationships are an integral part of what life should be, with or without cancer. If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, or know someone who has, I hope I can help by sharing a few lessons I learned through my personal journey through chemo. • The journey is long and hard, but you’ll discover a source of inner strength you never realized was there. • At times you may feel lonely, but encouragement from family and friends will lift your spirits. You’ll realize that you wouldn’t want to ever go without their love and support. • On days when you’re feeling your worst – when you’ve lost all your hair and think you look terrible – you may encounter people who will say you’re the bravest, most beautiful person they’ve ever met. • Questions such as “Why me?” and “What have I done to deserve this?” may cross your mind, but you’ll realize that you’re not alone, and that another person’s struggle to survive may be even harde than yours. Appreciate the courage in others, and notice positive attitudes. It may be the best medicine you ever receive. • When your spouse, partner, or even a good friend stands beside you, you’ll realize anew how precious and meaningful relationships can be. You’ll truly understand what it means to love and to be loved in return. •You’ll discover that when one door is closed, another one often opens unexpectedly. • You may not be able to work while undergoing treatment, or, you may not want to. If you need to rest, then rest. Maintaining your health is your most important job during this time. • Sometimes the journey through treatment is a blessing in disguise. My personal faith helped me heal emotionally, strengthening my belief in a higher power. Everyone needs a shoulder to lean on, whether it’s an earthly or spiritual one. • Remember, cancer isn’t an experience we choose, but it’s an experience which we, hopefully, can survive, and one from which we can learn.

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