Survivor's guilt: How do you heal and find meaning in life after cancer?

Hello everyone,

How are you feeling today?

Many cancer survivors carry a surprising and heavy burden: guilt. Even after treatments are over and health improves, it’s common to feel conflicted. You may wonder, “Why me? Why did I survive when others didn’t?” or feel guilt about how the illness has impacted your loved ones. For some, there’s even a sense of not living up to the second chance they’ve been given.

This “survivor guilt” is normal, but that doesn’t make it easier. It’s tied to a deep need to make sense of the trauma and find fairness in something so unfair. Some survivors find themselves comparing their journey to others’, minimizing their own struggles because someone else had it “worse.” Others might feel sadness or helplessness when thinking about those still in treatment or those they’ve lost.

One survivor shared how she dealt with these feelings by finding purpose in connection. She supported another young woman with leukemia, sending her care packages and encouragement, saying, “The worst thing for me would be feeling like I wasn’t doing anything to help someone else.” Small acts like this can help turn guilt into something positive.

Let’s open up about this:

• Have you ever found yourself asking, “Why me?” How do you cope with those feelings?
• What’s helped you find peace or purpose after cancer?
• How do you feel about connecting with others? Does helping someone else ease the weight of guilt?

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You’re not alone in this. Let’s share and support each other. Your story might be the one someone else needs to hear.

Take care,
Somya from the Carenity team 🌼