….So, you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with Cancer….now what? Remember how you made all those plans on January 1 to get organized? This time, it’s real. Successful treatment means being your own best advocate. It means getting the best information and the best treatment you can possibly get. This is not the time to be a shrinking Violet,afraid to offend-you must speak up. Your survival may depend on it!

Before you do this….

Or this…

Do This.

 1.  Buy this book….(I read it both times I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer)

Cancer: 50 essential things to do Cancer 50 Essential Things by Greg Anderson. Practical and important advice for the newly diagnosed and those recurring.

2.  Organize!

Get your major appointments, scans, chemotherapy treatments, radiation treatments, and tests written down in one location. You may need it in a year from now or two, or three, or 10! I like a three year calendar or even a five year calendar, because I plan to be around a long time!  Miles Kimball Three Year Calendar or go big and get a five year calendar!

This is only for big ticket items…not daily symptoms or questions. Dream big! You plan to be around for a long time!

3.  Start a bullet journal…

-Keep in this your list of questions for upcoming doctors appointments (even when they pop into your head at 3 in the morning!) 

-Track side effects from chemo and medication

-Migraines? Track the onset symptoms and medications that work

-Find those motivational quotes that keep you going!

-Track exercise! (Yes, you still have to exercise.)

-Track medications!

4. The American Red Cross gave me an accordion folder that I keep paper test results and informative literature and paper copies of articles on the forefront of cancer research. I used to print off articles and ask my doctor about them at appointments.

5.  EVERY time you see your doctor, ask for a copy of your lab results. Every single time!

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion! Doctors expect it. This is your life!! Take ownership of your treatment. Shed that reticence to be “that” patient. Ask for information from your doctor on why he/she wants to do specific tests and what he/she hopes to learn. Your strength comes from your willingness to speak up!! This may be your only chance. This is not a polite dinner party, but it is your very existence!

7. Bring a friend or family member to your appointments with you. Your friend can take notes and ask clarifying questions. (Bring that low maintenance friend who is happy if you talk all the way to the appointment, or if you want to be silent the whole time.)

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness and last month was Ovarian Cancer Awareness!

Please share this valuable information with your friends and family. Someone might be waiting for this article right now!

Now!! Spread the word!