Cancer Survivorship,,,The Best Advice that I Will Ever Give on Living Well

Next month is my 13 year anniversary of my very first diagnosis in August of 2001.  In August, I actually did not know that it was cancer yet.  I just knew that I had a large tumor in the back of my pelvic area...a retroperitoneal mass.  It was after the surgery and the pathology that I knew.  I cried for days.   I was 44 years young and had 2 daughters just 11 years young.  I had just gotten divorced and bought a house.  I cried for days.   Then I picked myself up and started looking for help.

I had no idea that cancer would be this huge in my life.  Here is my best advice.

1.  Upon diagnosis you have no idea if you will live or die from this.  I would assume living...even in the worst case scenario.  Thinking that you will live will really help you to LIVE.

2.  After the initial shock wears off begin making sure that you have the best care for your particular cancer.  Make sure that your oncologist has seen many, many, many, people like you.  And research that doctor.

3.  Gather proper support for yourself..... Family, friends, and possibly a cancer support community where services are free.  Anyone complaining and/or crying more than you, please tell them to go away and come back when you are better...or they are better.  Now is the time for wonderful people around you.

4.  Develop a very thick skin.  People will say and do stupid things around you now.  It is ok...they are freaking out as well.   Hug a lot when you can.  Hugs are amazing.  People you love may leave you at this time.  Let them go and find new people.  They will come. I promise.

5. Get your finances and your paperwork in order.  Make sure that you understand all of your insurances.

6.  Make sure that you have designated emergency people...people that you can call anytime day or night for help.

More in the next post....most important to not forget to laugh ....watch funny movies...pick up a new hobby....I started conga drumming.  Every time I banged that drum, I was killing a tumor. :)