Letting it Go
- Singer Justin Bieber, 27, grew up scrutinized by the media and often got into trouble for bad behavior, but after learning a few vital lessons, he has continued to mature and loves using his social media to lift up his fans.
- “The Biebs” shared some comforting words for those living their life feeling some kind of shame, which can particularly speak to the cancer community.
- A top cancer surgeon tells SurvivorNet about the power of a positive mindset, and how prayer can often lead you to it, regardless of the type of faith you practice.
Fans expressed appreciation for the relatable post, with one fan saying, “realness. Thanks for this Justin!” and another wrote, “These are my favorite posts of yours Justin,” with prayer emojis. Many others simply wrote, “Amen.”
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The Canada-born star is also known for frequently gushing over his beautiful wife, whom he married at a New York courthouse in 2018. The following year, they wed in front of family and friends at a romantic South Carolina hotel, the Montage Palmetto Bluff.
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Bieber and Mrs. Biebs often share other messages of hope whether it’s “you are loved,” “you are a miracle,” or “even if we are faithless, God is still faithful.” These messages can go a long way and resonate with many people struggling, which is a beautiful thing.
Staying Positive and Considering Prayer
Keeping a positive headspace can do wonders in daily life with work, financial, and family stress, but especially for people living with cancer.
"A positive attitude is really important," Dr. Zuri Murrell, a colorectal surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles tells Survivornet.
If you have just been diagnosed with cancer, negative feelings are normal. Totally normal. Men and women react differently. Anger, shame, fear, anxiety. It's to be expected. Experienced doctors will tell you that people who find a way to work through the emotions and stay positive do end up doing better.
“My patients who thrive, even with stage 4 cancer, from the time that they, about a month after they’re diagnosed, I kind of am pretty good at seeing who is going to be OK,” Dr. Murrell says. “Now doesn’t that mean I’m good at saying that the cancer won’t grow. But I’m pretty good at telling what kind of patient are going to still have this attitude and probably going to live the longest, even with bad, bad disease. And those are patients who, they have gratitude in life.”
Dr. Murrell shared a personal story about his mother who passed away from a 10-year fight with breast cancer one month before he finished med school. Although sadly she was taken by the disease, she thrived for many years longer than what was to be expected at the time. And Dr. Murrell believes that it was her positive outlook.
“My mom went to church all the time,” he says. “But she always had this innate, positive attitude.”
People often ask him about prayer in terms of therapy. “I have a large amount of Jewish patients. I have a large amount of Christian patients. Hindus, and I even have atheists. And I believe that prayer is very helpful,” he says. “But also, in some patients who don’t believe in prayer, I believe that a positive attitude is what’s really important. And I believe that, for a lot of people, prayer helps them develop this.”
Shame with Certain Types of Cancer
Unfortunately, there are certain types of cancers that bring on more perceived embarrassment than others, particularly anal cancer and testicular cancer. That is why SurvivorNet strives to do stories on inspiring people who are fighting to reduce the stigma of those diseases. There is nothing to be ashamed of and there is nothing you did wrong to get cancer. The more you speak up about it, the more you can help others reduce their fear of going to the doctor and getting a proper diagnosis. Stars like the late Farrah Fawcett who died from anal cancer was an advocate for the disease, and this was one of the biggest sex symbols on the planet.
"Shame is an important topic when it comes to cancer," says Tripp Hornick, a testicular cancer survivor who was diagnosed when he was just a 21-year-old college student. "I think we as men have an awful lot that we can learn from what women have to go through with breast cancer." Tripp emerged from his experience with an extremely positive message: Do not be a victim. "What you accomplish is what cures any shame," Tripp says, and there's no reason you can't go on to live a happy and fulfilling life.
Dealing With the Shame That May Come With Cancer
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