Free time? No such thing! There’s so much to do, be, manage, accomplish, develop, explore and if we take a break and actually stop, we either feel guilty or try to meditate. So why discuss something so amorphous and perhaps unattainable at the same time? Because I have one more activity for which to make time. (see how I avoided ending with a preposition? ) sounds weird. Okay, so here it is:

Practice continuous learning. This may take the form of lessons: tennis, golf, pickleball, bridge, hobbies in general. It may be familiarizing with new IT and websites at work (every office I am in is so very different I have a notebook earmarked, and they change the rules or programs every few months! I think it’s actually an ongoing cognitive test!). Most have continuing education credits to maintain licenses. Even something routine requires attention to the new- learning to literally navigate the snowy roads, and then big highway driving in Florida, even in the storms and dark. If you take a moment, you will discover so many ways that you are continuously learning, changing, becoming more self assured with this all happening through necessity, or serendipity. We actually rarely choose deliberately. Today I have a simple recommendation to add to your “to do” list. One that can actually improve your life.
Your health and wellness depends upon your own involvement. Always. Here is the recommendation: read about your health issue, disease, injury, cancer. There is a tremendous amount of info and people love to say “use caution when you search on line, lots of disinformation.” Many Docs roll their eyes and sigh when the patient shows up with a list of googled info. Ugh, one more thing to navigate. Allow me to weigh in. I am a big fan of more information. You would think having an oncologist in the family would negate the need to explore, “just follow this plan”. But with a relative recently diagnosed, my recommendation is the same, read (of course reputable websites such as MD Anderson, Cleveland clinic ,NIH, etc) but I don’t object to even anecdotal stories that allow the patient to hear others’ experiences.
A recent visit to another two oncologists came about because of this exploration, each offering unique perspectives and the Docs were patient in discussing. In my own practice, if there is a new trial or drug or procedure, I will tell the patient to wait and I will go on line and print out reputable info for them to digest further.
No one and I mean no one, even those of us dedicated to your life and wellness, will know everything and we are not intimidated by your questions.

For our own experience, this reading and questioning has led to some very cutting edge recommendations. One Doc said, “ Oh, we are thinking about starting that here” while other ideas are only in phase 1 trials (does this kill or harm the patient ?) therefore not ready for prime time.
So, crack the books in your “free time”. Become an expert in your own disease and dis-ease. Ask the questions. What have I recommended for a few years here? Be your own advocate, always. Also find physicians who listen, even if the protocol doesn’t apply to you, at least every option should be examined. You are not dying from your disease, you are living with it. That takes courage, knowledge, exploration and good use of your time. Read, ask questions, seek opinions, always be brave. All of your Docs are on your side and you have every right to explore and ask questions, even challenge. It’s the very best use of continuous learning that you can invest in (preposition end of sentence, Sister Mary Gabriel would tsk tsk). Yes, I am putting a lot on your shoulders, but they are broad, you are tough, and you deserve the best.