Hi Orwellian,
I understand that its an unpopular opinion, but I actually agree that cancer was the best thing that happened to me. In my case I had been trying to get help and support for years and getting nowhere, and then I was diagnosed with breast cancer and suddenly all the help and support that I had needed for years was available! People were throwing it at me. Within 2 weeks I had the help that I had been trying to get for 7 years. All because I had an "acceptable" illness.
The cancer was short lived, like you it was chopped out, but the help and support has thankfully continued now that I am on the radar.
Don't give up. There can be good in the bad. People say cancer is bad, but for me it was a good thing that I am thankful for. Though, I may not be saying that in a few weeks as I am being tested for a recurrence now.