As a middle-aged software developer, Chris Geiger never intended to be an inspiration. Aged 24 he was told he had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and given three months to live. Now, 24 years later, he’s still alive and well – and passionate about giving hope that there’s life after cancer.Two years ago he set up The Cancer Survivors Club website to collect other survivors’ stories, which have now been published in his book.
“I was desperately looking for ordinary people’s stories of surviving cancer when I was ill, but all I found were celebrities,” says Chris, 48, from Bristol. “It sounds strange but most people say they’re glad they had cancer because of the new perspective it brings. It’s sad that it should take cancer to do this – perhaps everyone can learn from our stories.”
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You are stronger than you know
Material things don’t matter“That credit card bill I used to worry about every month suddenly wasn’t an issue – it would get sorted out,” says Chris. “I also wasn’t bothered how much I earned any more. I don’t worry about the small things that consumed life before cancer. Instead I have a list of things to achieve.”Take care of your bodyAlmost all the survivors realised they needed to take better care of their bodies. “I eat better food, more organic and don’t eat processed food any more,” says Shelly Ostrouhoff, who had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 10 years ago.Friends and family before workCancer survivors are usually aghast at how their jobs consumed their lives before their diagnosis. Many change their jobs for something that interests them more, with far fewer worries. “My family and friends always come before work now,” says Chris.Life’s about small pleasuresFor Chris it’s the joy of fermenting his own bread; for Andrea it’s seeing her daughter smile. “I’m more grateful for things like a beautiful moon or the joy of hearing the waves while I walk along the beach,” she says. “These things may have given me more joy before but I now notice them more and have a new-found tendency to see the glass half-full.”Who cares what they thinkSo much of our lives are governed by what other people think of us – from our job to our clothes or how we bring up our children. But when you have survived cancer you don’t care as much; you are far more attuned to what you truly want from life.Moaning is pointlessGrumbling is one of life’s constants, but many cancer survivors find their new sense of confidence and perspective prompts them to change their job rather than moan endlessly about it.Appearance isn’t important“I’m way less bothered than I have ever been about my appearance,” says Helen Gorick, from Devon, who has had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma twice. “I am much happier about who I am and if someone judges me because I look like a bag lady when I pop into Tesco, they aren’t worth knowing anyway.”Anyone can get depressedNot everyone finds their true path in life after cancer – studies say 40 per cent get anxious or depressed after treatment ends. “It’s important to take small steps at first,” says Mark Davies who had colorectal cancer at 31. Risks give you a thrill Whether it’s climbing Everest, or having the courage to start dating, many survivors say they wish they’d taken more risks before diagnosis. “You really understand the phrase ‘life is too short’.” says Chris. Fitness feels goodAmanda Baird ran the 5k Race for Life two weeks after her last dose of chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. In the five years since she has taken part in a triathlon and the London to Brighton bike ride. “I push myself constantly,” she says. Live in the momentCancer survivors understand they must savour life. “When I’m invited somewhere I give it my full attention,” says Andrea. “I don’t leave half my thoughts at the door because I’m too busy thinking of the lengthy to-do list waiting at home.”Don’t give up“If someone says it can’t be done, I’m determined to prove them wrong.” says Chris. “Having cancer shows you that you can be persistent.”
We’ll all die one day
All the book’s contributors agree that this fact only properly dawned on them following their brush with cancer. “That’s why we should all aim to live each day to the full. We shouldn’t need to have had cancer to realize it,” says Chris.
Everything is backwards in this world. People think the more you have and the more “you are” the better, when the truth is we have to become like nothing to get the taste of everything. We have to get rid of desires, illusions, needs, prejudices etc. and become content with that which is. The truth about life and death has been revealed and nothing could be more important than to surrender to it; Google truthcontest, click the Earth icon, read the present.
“12 Life Changing Lessons”
1. Less is More 2. Time to Grind 3. Post & Prioritized 4. Do What You LOVE 5. Expect The Best Outcome 6. It Only Takes One 7. Go Overboard 8. Television is a Waste 0f Time 9. Take Care of Yourself 10. Prepare Like Hell 11. Track & Measure 12. Be Daring !
