Thank goodness it’s not cancer “awareness” day! Who isn’t aware of cancer now? If you think it is increasing as your family and friends call, discuss, scramble to find doctors, it is. So how can I help you navigate today?
If you or a loved one has now found themselves involved in the cancer care dynamic, search out the tools that doctors use: The NCCN guidelines (nccn.org) are extremely helpful and created by the largest, most research driven centers in the US. They have become very specific, drilling down to the nuances of each type and stage of cancers.
Years ago you may find generalized “radiation” or “chemo” directives. Today If you type in guidelines, you may find venn diaghrams that detail therapy even through stage IV cancers and recurrences. At least this gives you concrete specific information and helps expectations.
While so much has improved with cancer therapy (a good article today is actually from China listing all the new and exciting developments),* when a cancer diagnosis arrives like a thief, find a friend or loved one who can put together information, obtain copies of all your scans and bloodwork, keep a folder, research so you can ask informed questions. Then allow the process to unfold with acceptance and faith. Sit in the sun, walk, call a loved one or friend, play with children, if you have no appetite, use nutritional supplements, rest. Hardest of all, let others care for you. Your own world with cancer can still be rich and fulfilling. Be kind to yourself. Do not let the treating, reading, worry and distress also steal your time living today. Your life is so very much bigger and more joyfilled then to be taken over by a diagnosis. On this World Cancer Day, may you have peace and may you be blessed.
*South China Morning Post , “Is cancer curable? Increasingly so,experts say- 5 reasons to be optimistic as big developments in treatment and diagnosis help more patients survive”, 4 Feb,2024.(www.scmp.com)
