With over 18 million cancer survivors in the United States, there is a good chance you know one, or are one yourself. Jill Deno is one of them after she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer four years ago. After surgery and treatment, including chemo, Deno came through with a much better appreciation for many aspects of her life.  Just as important she found a purpose in her job as an oncology nurse navigator for OSF HealthCare. 

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  For survivors, it’s a time of reflection and continuing to live a life post-cancer. Deno says it’s hard not to think about cancer. 

Support groups are helpful for survivors currently going through treatment. Deno says newly-diagnosed patients can learn a lot of life lessons from these groups.

Deno encourages survivors to embrace key milestone dates. While some survivors may not want to think about cancer there’s nothing wrong Deno says, with acknowledging where you’ve been and how far you’ve come.

Some people slowly adapt to life without any more appointments and Deno says that many stay involved in active care for weeks or even longer.  Deno encourages survivors to stay busy.

For more information, on surviving post-cancer, talk to your regular primary physician.