Imagine sitting across the table from your doctor as he or she is reading over your medical history and lab results. Think about the adreneline that pumps into your blood system while your heart races fast and faster. Your hands clam up and beads of sweat begin to fall down your temples. Then your doctor looks up at you to give you the news and says, "You have cancer."
Cancer. One small, powerful word that can instantly change your life forever.
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is never easy, regardless of the type of cancer or its stage of diagnosis. Your social life and professional life come to a screetching halt and your main focus now is to survive. Doctor's will refer you to cancer centers and oncologists, but it's up to you to do the "dirty work." You need to collect as much information as you can about the cancer and the kinds of treatments so you can make a decision. You may want to talk to several oncologists about their education and experience so you can find one who fits with you. You may want to talk to survivors who have fought similar battles head-on and experienced side effects from treatments, because they can provide you with invaluable advice and knowledge as you begin your own battle.
Questions are going to flood your head - How did I get this? What do I do? What happens if it comes back? - but the most important thing to remember is that there's no such thing as asking too many questions or collecting too much information. Oncologists are there for a reason - to answer your questions and help you beat it. The internet is your best friend because it has the ability to provide you with copious amounts of information and it can connect you to clinicians and survivors who have first-hand knowledge.
Philadelphia has some of the best cancer centers in the country with top-rated oncologists, doctors and nurses who are going to care about you just as much as your own family and friends would. It's important to know everything you can about your cancer, the treatments and how it it going to affect you physically and emotionally. It's also important to have a great support system - friends, family, neighbors, co-workers - who are going to be there for you no matter what.
You're going to have your ups and downs, and most days may seem worse than others, but always remember, you're never alone when you battle cancer.
Comments