Yes, and no. The news that you've just been hit with is devistating. There is cancer somewhere in your body and it has likely been there for some time before it was discovered. You do indeed have the battle of your life in front of you. A large part of your battle will be to participate in your health and treatment plan and to include those closest to you to participate alongside you. With knowledge comes power. The more you understand about your cancer and treatment options, the better your mindset will be as far as feeling a sense of control and focus as you go through this difficult time in your life.
If I may suggest some steps and strategies for you, they would be:
- allow yourself to take in the news of your cancer diagnosis - cry, be angry, express your emotions freely and lean on those closest to you to for support;
- research and find the best doctor in your area who specializes in your type of cancer, this should include both a surgeon and oncologist who's practice is predominently treating your type of cancer and verify insurance coverage if that is an option for you;
- begin researching treatment options with your doctor and on your own so that you will understand and be informed as you move forward and make decisions with regard to your treatment;
- create a binder to take with you to all of your doctors visits so that you can prepare questions ahead of time and take notes that you will refer back to many times;
- ask your doctor a lot of questions and always have someone with you at your doctors visits as there will be things that they hear and remember that you won't and that person can take notes as the doctor explains things to you;
- keep copies of all of your lab work and treatment plans in your binder as well as keeping a journal of your experiences during treatments (this will help you prepare your questions for your next doctor visit which should be written down ahead of time so that you don't forget anything);
- take advantage of resources that are available to you through the American Cancer Society and other cancer organizations as there are many services out there to assist you through this journey;
- remember that this is a battle that you are fighting and if you are going to come out on top of this fight, you need to take good care of yourself. Endeavor to eat well, get good sleep, exercise as much as possible and think as positively as you can. You can beat this!
My husband and I just finished watching the 3 part series by Ken Burns. Cancer: The Emperor of all Maladies. http://cancerfilms.org/about-the-film/
While I am now 2 years cancer free from Triple Negative Breast cancer and really have researched and read a lot about my disease, we found this series to be extremely informative and answered many questions that I had not had the answers to. It is a complete history and comprehensive overview of cancer and I would highly recommend watching if you are able. I personally came away feeling much better and more confident that perhaps in my lifetime, there may be a cure for cancer. We seem to be getting closer all the time. Just having a better understanding of what cancer is and how it works made a huge difference for me.
My prayers go out to everyone who is touched by this disease. Know that you are not alone.
Disclaimer: the information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, and should not be substituted for professional diagnosis and treatment.