Because you can own your cancer journey…or help someone own theirs.

One of the most important things you can tell yourself early in your cancer journey is “I own this journey.” And you should repeat this and say it out loud to yourself as much as possible. Say it now:

“I own this journey”. 

 If you are reading this for someone you want to help, say: “My loved one (name) owns their journey.”   The reason it is important is because speaking those words creates the mindset needed from the very beginning to take control of something that will otherwise feel it has all control.

When I was first diagnosed, I was in utter shock.  I could never have imagined hearing the words, “Your results were positive for HER2+ breast cancer.”  Not after a lifetime of being and living very healthily and getting annual checkups with consistently great results. Not only that; I could never have imagined hearing that the cancer was at Stage IV and thus had metastasized to the lymph nodes, the liver, and a rib… the sixth right rib to be exact.  I did not even know a rib could get cancer, but the answer I now know is yes, it can.

For the first few weeks after my diagnosis was confirmed, I reached out to people I trusted and who had, in some cases, also gone through their own cancer diagnosis to seek their advice and to also be comforted, because I was not only in utter shock, but I was also eerily close to the edge of complete and absolute fright. 

The very best wisdom came in the simplest set of words “Don’t overwhelm yourself”. 

The person who said this to me was a twenty-five year+ cancer survivor whose eldest daughter had also been in cancer treatment for the past twenty years, so the credibility of her words mattered because she had not only walked in my shoes but had seen her daughter also take those steps… steps she is still taking today.  I knew that in order to “not be overwhelmed,” I needed to center myself, take a deep breath and get some clarity.

Clarity comes when you know what you need to do and that you can do it…that you have the tools and the guidance to know which way to go and to stay on the right path forward. Clarity breeds calm and calm creates courage and perseverance. Together they help strengthen the steps along the journey.

And so here you will find a few first steps I took that immensely helped me own my cancer journey… my first steps on how to Breast cancer. 

5 key initial steps to own your cancer journey or to help someone own theirs:

1 | Be an informed patient

Take time to understand the type of cancer diagnosis, the types of tests that will need to be performed and why, the treatment options your doctor is recommending and why, and which one is best for you. Ask questions to fully understand and be knowledgeable of your diagnosis – don’t apologize for wanting to know everything. Becoming informed is one of the most important steps you will take.

2 | Be a prepared patient

Take time to seek a second and even third opinion on your diagnosis and treatment options. It is extremely important to speak with other doctors to ensure as many eyes and lenses are giving you guidance on what path is best for you. Learn about clinical trials that you may be eligible to participate in and understand the overall timeline and steps of your specific treatment and what it will mean for you and your family. Becoming prepared is key in setting the right steps in motion for your complete cancer journey to achieve the best results.

3 | Be a diligent patient

Take time to understand the specifics of your treatment, such as the type of medications, chemotherapy and importantly, the medications to help you tolerate the treatment — these are often referred to as your “pre-meds” because they usually begin the day before or of your treatment. Details will matter throughout your care, and it is vital that you learn about the side effects and how to manage them early on so that you can plan your week of treatment and how to recover successfully. Becoming diligent in all matters of your care will enable you to ensure every step of your care is the best step for you.

4 | Be a committed patient

Stay committed to the key pieces of your treatment and care — meaning, keep all your appointments and be timely in scheduling your scans and tests throughout the treatment process. This is extremely important in gauging the effectiveness of your treatment and enabling you and your doctor to course-correct if necessary. Ensure you are eating well and adjusting your diet as necessary. Look for ways to stay or become active, and very importantly, stay calm. Becoming committed to your treatment will enable your healing.

5 | Be a kind patient

Always remember that the people taking care of you are doing just that: taking care of you. And even though there will be many, many times throughout your cancer journey when you will feel quite unwell, be mindful to be grateful for their care and demonstrate that gratitude for the doctors, nurses, caregivers, all who are doing the right things to make you feel better. Appreciate them and be kind. Becoming kind even amid the pain of treatment will enable kindness to prevail in your cancer journey and in your life.

You can own your cancer journey or help someone own theirs because we will guide you on how to Breast cancer!

With love,
Amelia O.