Living life with cancer is already a pandemic for us patients, and even our allies and support system. We isolate, we avoid places and people because a cold, the flu, an accident, among other things, can take our lives faster than cancer. We are ALWAYS at high risk.
What’s the difference with COVID-19?
For me, it’s the news, social media, the lack of consciousness of people still not practicing social distancing. Those cause me the most anxiety and concern.
Concern because the longer others don’t practice social distancing and keep having gatherings, or going out without observing the guidelines to slow the spread, the longer this pandemic is a threat to all humans.
These are my daily thoughts. But, just as before, I have chosen me. My self-care, my mental health, my life. I am limiting social media and news outlets (only as deemed necessary). I listen to my medical team and their recommendations, because after all, we may all have cancer, but each of us is a unique case. I spend virtual time with my loved ones, those who understand what this pandemic means to me, to the world.
Meet Yvonne Vidal-Blandon, 34 years old, Stage VI Colon Cancer Warrior
We, cancer patients, are already pandemic warriors. We are strong enough to come out of this alive and keep fighting for our lives. We just need everyone else to be as strong as us. We are warriors. Stay strong.