Shortly before her death to Cancer, my mom said "this is all part of a puzzle that we just won't be able to see until God reveals it to us" regarding her Cancer and suffering. Her consolation to me as well as to herself seemed to signal her acceptance of the prognosis.
I'm not a Cancer survivor, but, I've lived through it with my parents who both died of Cancer. I cared for them and I still feel a void. I won't ever get over that, but, I like to say "it's just a different way of life now."
After her death [and I was very close to my mom], my grief went through many stages throughout the subsequent years; raging and battling with my dad which led to leaving his house, to fear, to bewilderment, to that stage of acceptance. Even my faith in God went down the tube, huge. I went through the 'blaming God' thing for many, many years...
I was 21 when she died of Colon /ovarian Cancer and although that was quite a while ago, time does heal..at least from the shock. Nevertheless, I still miss my mom dearly, some days more than others. However, I've learned to live without her now, and I know today she is smiling at me from Heaven. I know I'll see her some day. I can't wait to hug her again. And, my dad.
Anyway, this is my perspective as a surviving daughter of 2 very dear people who were close to my heart and raised me. I wouldn't be who I am if it weren't for my parents. I can look back and see that God blessed me with such parents - Michael and Margie.