There is much to learn about CANCER...
A VITAL subject..that I took for granted before my own diagnosis.
#1 RESEARCH and LEARN THE TERMS regarding CANCER...BREAST CANCER especially for us women.
I remember when my mother had Breast Cancer...DCIS. I read up on it...thought about it..but then let the information leave my memory banks!
Upon my diagnosis for IDC...RESEARCH was necessary. I didn't know anything about IDC. The more I learned, the better understanding I had of not only what was going on with my body..but the outcome as well.
As mentioned in an earlier post...My Breast Cancer surgeon gave me a wonderful book on CANCER that was a valuable tool for me. It gave me confidence as I listened to her talk to me about my Breast Cancer. The TERMS she used...I understood. The PROCEDURES understood...helping with decisions I had to make regarding my care.
You can also visit RELIABLE sources...the Mayo Clinic... Breast Cancer.org...
Make sure you read good reliable information. There is a ton of information out there...be careful what you read. Some of the "forums" with people talking about their conditions are deceiving. Remember...some people are just basic "complainers"... and they most likely...do not have the same doctor as you.
Read about the BRAVE and the COURAGEOUS..it will help you a thousand times more!!
#2 LISTEN to YOUR DOCTOR.
People want to help with lots of advice...but YOUR CANCER is PERSONAL.
I have learned how very individualized Cancer is for each person...and of course it would be...as we all have different inherited genes etc.
#3 Cancer is NO RESPECT OF PERSON.
Young and old alike get Cancer..and young and old alike..SURVIVE!
#4 It's either there or it is not.
You cannot THINK you are getting Cancer. When diagnosed..it is there.
EARLY DETECTION is a must however, to keep it from GETTING worse...by having your YEARLY MAMMOGRAM. They are accurate..mine was found by digital mammography.
#5 Don't PANIC
Research for Cancer is amazing..and continues day after day. There is always NEW trials and medicines bringing about a CURE! The medical facilities available and the doctors are a TEAM waiting to help you.
#6 SUPPORT those you know who have Cancer.
Be there for them...it makes a world of difference. The encouraging words and hugs give COURAGE. Though I have my Faith in the LORD...and understanding of his ways in my life...THE SUPPORT that was given me...did help me through each day.
TO THOSE...THANK YOU!!!...and may I be there for you in your time of need!!
#7 Cancer brings COMPASSION.
People who might not have otherwise thought to reach out...DO!
Strangers care about people with CANCER.
#8 WEAR your BREAST CANCER PIN!!!
Show the world who you are! Let them know you are battling a disease with COURAGE and let them get in the fight too..PRAYING...HELPING...DONATING.
As a SURVIVOR...I wear my pin to show that I am just that...A SURVIVOR!!!
In one reading I found..it saddened me that the Author used terms such as Betrayal...hopeless...Helpless...
NO!!! None of these words should be in your Cancer vocabulary!!
Because THERE IS HOPE..HELP and no you are not betrayed!!!
Don't forget...it all began in the Garden of Eden with sin.
Are you SAVED? maybe GOD is trying to get your attention! YOU NEED HIM!
Are you letting GOD USE YOUR LIFE...for HIS GLORY! He always has a purpose!
God manifest HIS GRACE...HIS MERCIES..and HIS PROVIDENCE in the lives of Believers.
Let HIS WILL be done and...as my dear friend Kelly Anne's song on her blog says..
"I BELIEVE TO SEE....THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD!!"
Look for HIS GOODNESS...and see the TESTIMONY of HIS GRACES..even in CANCER.
I thank the LORD for all he has allowed to come into my life...for by these HE has shown himself STRONG for me...HIS PEACE and ASSURANCE TRUE. HIS WORD my every HOPE and HELP in time of need.
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. Proverbs 27:9
I pray this has been hearty council in helping you..my friends.
HOPE
