01/03/2026
“I love struggling, actually — it makes me feel alive.”
— Alysa Liu, U.S. Olympic figure skater
This statement floored me.
Who loves struggling? Most of us seek peace, ease, happiness in life.
Especially when it comes to cancer — I would never wish this hardship on anyone. Struggle is not something we romanticize here. It is painful. It is unfair. It is exhausting.
But there is a brilliance to her statement. Even when you think:
I don’t love struggling.
I didn’t choose this.
I don’t want to have to be strong.
Struggle changes you.
Not because you wanted it — but because when you are stretched, you're forced to evolve.
Many cancer survivors tell me they dislike hearing, “You’re so strong.”
Because you don’t always feel strong.
You feel scared. Or tired. Or angry. Or numb.
But here you are.
And whether you see it or not, this experience is shaping you into someone more discerning about what truly matters.
Not toxic positivity or denial. But agency.
1. Emotional labeling
When you’re under stress, your nervous system shifts into protection mode. Simply naming what you’re feeling helps regulate that response. This isn’t mindset talk — it’s neuroscience.
2. Neuroplasticity
Your brain adapts and rewires based on how you respond to challenge. Repeatedly facing something difficult builds new pathways that support resilience.
3. Notice who you are becoming
Post-traumatic growth doesn’t mean being grateful for cancer. It means that adversity often clarifies priorities, strengthens boundaries, and deepens self-understanding.
Growth rarely feels good while it’s happening. But acknowledging — and perhaps embracing — that this is shaping you into the person you need to be, maybe even the person you’re meant to be, can make it a little easier.
At Tokyo Cancer Clinic, we combine advanced immune cell therapies with whole-person Lifestyle Medicine to support patients through treatment, recovery, and recurrence prevention. If you would like to explore whether a personalized immune-based approach is appropriate for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation.