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1. There is a 45% chance of a man developing any type of cancer in his lifetime and a 38% chance of a woman developing any type of cancer in her lifetime. Regardless of your diagnosis, there is much life to be lived each day after you hear, "You have cancer." Keep living your life as best you can.
2. With most diagnoses, you have time to make decisions; this includes time to put together a complete medical team. While the diagnosis of cancer is certainly life-changing, it may be more of an emotional emergency than a medical emergency. You need quite a bit of information about your diagnosis to make educated decisions.
3. Be an active participant in your care. It is a good thing to ask questions-of your doctors, family, friends, spiritual guide, and yourself-until you have all the questions answered and understand them.
4. There are many reliable sources to be on the internet. Check out our Useful Websites. Learn as much as you want to and as much as you can handle about your diagnosis, your type of cancer, and your treatment options.
5. Your team of cancer specialists will recommend the best treatment options for your type of cancer. Try to get a second opinion, not because you don't trust the first one but because it is good to get confirmation.
6. Cancer research is making great strides. What was standard 15 years ago or 5 years ago may not be standard today. Your treatment should be based on sound research evidence that is truly best for you today.
7. Support groups offer you the chance to talk with others who are facing the same challenges and share knowledge about your cancer. If you do not feel comfortable in support groups, get support in the way you feel is best for you. Check out our local resource guides for Cancer Support and Programs in your area.
8. Reduce the stress in your life as much as possible. Accept help from people who want to give it, tell people what you need, spend time in pleasant places, find many reasons to laugh, exercise and eat right, pamper yourself, love yourself. Check out our local resource guides for supportive Services and Therapies in your area.
9. The old normal isn't normal anymore. Look forward to a new normal-it will come. We are all creatures of habit and change is one of the most difficult things to implement in life, especially if you feel like you are the only one that must change.
10. Remember you are not alone, no matter how much you might feel as though you are. There is always someone close by to help. Reach out and grasp a hand reaching out to you. You are a member of an extraordinary new community. You did not ask to be a member. No one who is did. You can do what you want with your membership but know you are welcome.
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