LIFE Sentence

Today I'm thinking of and sending my best wishes to a good friend who was just diagnosed with a non-invasive breast cancer.

The first week after diagnosis can be a scary time where uncertainty rules and fear runs rampant. It seems nothing prepares you for this crisis. When they say, "cancer" you think "death sentence." But, that's just the fear talking and fear is crazy. Don't listen to it!

Another thing I'd like to get off my chest is all of these darned daytime TV doctor shows that barrage us with disease prevention ideas, almost lead us to believe that, "if you eat your broccoli, you'll never get a scary diagnosis." None of these shows prepares us for that moment. Very few offer advice or information that benefits us when we are the next recipient of a breast cancer diagnosis (or any other health crisis).

It's a scared shitless minutes-long eternity.

My oncologist told me that it's extremely important to receive treatment from a health care team. Notice I said TEAM. This team is made up of oncologist (she/he directs your care), oncology surgeon, plastic surgeon and radiology oncologist---and they all talk to each other. Then it's important to check what the big hospitals are doing (Dana Farber; M.D. Anderson) via their websites (and ask your oncologist). The place where I received great treatment is a sort of "sister" to Dana Farber and works like a university hospital. Specific breast cancer treatment information is available at Dana Farber's website:
http://www.dana-farber.org/pat/adult/breast-cancer/

It's next to impossible to think rationally during the first week after diagnosis. It's best to surround yourself with your favorite people and animals (if applicable), those who love you most, and be kind to yourself. Be your own best friend! Then know that there is a first class medical team out there committed and ready to give you great care and a cure!

One final note, I'm sharing my experience. I'm not a doc. Share any of this information with your physician. Go to the NCCS website listed on my blog and get your Cancer Survivor's Toolbox! Advocate for what's best for you! And enjoy your LIFE sentence!