Cancer has disrupted my life three times over the past 16 years.

The first time was in 2005, when my late husband, Eli, was diagnosed with leukemia. The second time was in the summer of 2008, when I was diagnosed with lymphoma. The third time was in January 2017, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Each of those experiences has taught me something useful. Here are my five most valuable takeaways.

1. Don’t skip...