One of the most common questions I have received since my cancer journey began has been “how are you so calm about this?” My initial response to this question was “if I fall apart, what will the rest of my family do?”. Recently I came to the conclusion that I wasn't upset because at that moment there was nothing that I could do to change my situation other than to plan my attack. Knowledge is power! As an oncology nurse, I was very much aware of what was ahead of me. My biggest decision was whether to participate in a clinical trial that was offered, which I ended up participating in. I was blessed to have so many medical professionals in my corner, allowing me to bounce ideas off of. I give so much credit to those of you who successfully navigate the medical system without medical knowledge. Knowing the right questions to ask is crucial to getting the most out of any doctor’s appointment. NEVER be afraid to ask all the questions you need answered. Always make a list prioritizing the most important to you. If you need help determining what to ask, I can provide feedback. I will be creating printable documents in the near future with a list of questions that patients often don't get answered at their doctor’s appointments. Always remember, as a patient, you have the right to have your questions answered so you can make an informed decision regarding your care. For many people once they have completed their initial treatment, they are done. For many others like myself, treatment will be ongoing. Right now, im have been on maintenance therapy for 16 months, with one drug being on hold for toxicies. I am in the window of time when women with my staging are likely to have a recurrence, yet I’m not in a panic about test results, because i know what the plan will be when the cancer is back. I’ve recently seen people that i havent seen since long before the pandemic began. They were all aware of my diagnosis and expressed first sympathy when they understood that I’ll never be “cured”, then shock of my upbeat attitude. Advanced cancer is being treated as a chronic disease, with cure being unlikely, but still very treatable for many years. I am looking for feedback! Is this information helpful? Please provide any suggestions either in comments, email, or messenger on facebook. |
AuthorBarb Schlatter Archives
May 2022
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