What Advice Would You Give To A Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patient?
I’ve just been reading 10 Tips From a 26-Year Breast Cancer Survivor in the Huffington Post. In the article Lisa Marie Wilson shares advice from her grandmother, who, aged 57, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991 after an initial misdiagnosis which meant the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. Her grandmother is now 80 years old and shared what she learned, including the importance of seeking a second opinion, eating healthily, and my favorite, “do as you damn well please”.
While this story will give some hope and strength, I suspect not all of you will enjoy the article with its overarching theme of “beating cancer”. Whichever camp you fall into, I do know that you all have a wealth of hard-won information and advice which you might like to share with others.
So my question today:
What one piece of advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer?
Hang on because it is quite the ride, and don’t let it beat you up mentally.
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I love it Diane! That’s a highly tweetable quote – thank you 🙂
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I like the do as you damn well please advice – in other words – there’s no right way to do cancer – you’ll hear lots of advice, take what resonates with you, and leave the rest..
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Learn everything you can about your cancer – be as informed as possible, but know that ultimately you are the best expert on what’s right for you!
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I agree with Debbie, knowledge is power; learn as much as you can about your disease so you can participate fully in treatment decisions.
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Don’t go it alone. Connect with others who are on the same journey whether that’s in person or online, find your tribe.
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Your initial reaction may be to panic, but please take it from someone who’s been there, I felt rushed into making treatment decisions too quickly. You have some time to ask questions – get a second opinion or whatever it takes so you feel more confident about your treatment plan. –
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Accept help from others,. When people say they want to help, give them specific things to do – whether that’s cook a casserole, pick a child up from school, do some vacuuming once a week.
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Just put one foot in front of the other x
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Keep communicating. Don’t bottle up your fears and worries. If you don’t want to worry your family, find a counsellor or support group. There’s lots of support to be found online.
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Never rush any decision. You have time to consider all of your options, time to seek second and even third opinions. Know this.
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Don’t be afraid.
And if your consultant doesn’t give you the right vibes, find one who does. Trust in your team is the thing you need most.
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What I have told someone recently diagnosed is that “I’m a total wimp, so if I could get through it, you’ll definitely get through it.” It was either that or tell them whatever horrible thing they think it’ll be, it’s much worse!
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That made me smile Eileen – and it’s definitely just what I would want to hear! 🙂
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And some more responses via Twitter
“patience this is not a quick fix,put yourself first, it’s ok to feel rubbish/be scared etc & ask for help” @bccww
Look around you at all of those survivors. They were in the same situation as you not so long ago. @Quirky47
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I love “do as you damn well please”. My motto too. I would also say to be your own best advocate. If something just doesn’t seem right, keep pushing for answers. And reach out to others, but be careful not to compare. Everyone’s cancer is unique. And like Eileen said, if I can do it, so can you.
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Great advice Kimberly – thanks so much for taking the time to share it
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You are your own best advocate. Follow your gut instincts and don’t be rushed into making rash decisions. Know that not all doctors are equal and that you are not alone. Many are walking this path with you.
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Terrific advice Beth – thanks so much for sharing
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Never feel guilty about it, it’ s not because of anything you’ve done, it’ so another disease and you ‘be got to give it your “all”.may.meera@ gmail .com.Meera
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Grab hold of your emotions! Stay positive. Hard to do but be tough. Bring laughter into your life. So many treatments available. AND “just because you have been diagnosed with BC, it does not mean you are going to die!”A Survivor and Thriver
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Thanks for sharing your advice Eileen. May you continue to thrive in the coming year.
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Accept all support that is offered — so often we think we can do it all ourselves – but support is vital for the journey ahead.
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Take heart. Know that you will find hidden strengths to see you through.
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Hi Marie, I love your question and all the great replies. I am just about to put together an Information Talk for Breast Cancer Survivors. I will be stealing some of this!!!! I met you in 2013 at the Irish Cancer Society Conference. Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy 2015. Kind regards, Valerie
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I would tell them to allow themselves to experience all the emotions that come with this challenge that is cancer. Because allowing yourself to do it, is allowing yourself to also heal.
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