Keep open communication with your doctors, nurses, friends, family and within yourself. A scribble book helps (with ongoing appointment date, lists of things that you might need and questions or resouces/supports you might want to ask about as you go). I found over time my scribble notes found some order through the initial shock and chaos. Who knows, maybe you will want to write a book about your experience someday? Educating myself while at the same time keeping a keen focus on just the tasks/procedures directly in front if me was most helpful in the beginning. Moving through each test/apontment/procedure, one step at a time. Pep talks with myself that I can get through this step, then the next step when that time came etc.. eat what you want, get outside, share with others what you are learning along the way. Nurture a sence of hope and love within yourself. Give yourself permission to experience joy and laughter, anger, sadness and tears like you've not felt that deeply before. It's all so very relevant and valid. Let others help. When they ask if there is anything they can do to help, say yes and that you'll put them on your helpers list to call upon them when needed (opens the door for future help and is welcomg them that you might take them up on their offer when the dust clears). I recently got a free head shave in the comfort of my home from a friend with hair clippers when the time came that i needed this. We took before and after pictures to mark this step in the journey). I try to find silver linings and humor and I can attest, if your looking for these things, you will find them but you might have to look hard and long as they don't always appear (keep looking). Many women and men have forged the way before us, you tap into their mighty strength and wisdom as you make your way through your own journey. You'll find your compass.
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Keep open communication with your doctors, nurses, friends, family and within yourself. A scribble book helps (with ongoing appointment date, lists of things that you might need and questions or resouces/supports you might want to ask about as you go). I found over time my scribble notes found some order through the initial shock and chaos. Who knows, maybe you will want to write a book about your experience someday? Educating myself while at the same time keeping a keen focus on just the tasks/procedures directly in front if me was most helpful in the beginning. Moving through each test/apontment/procedure, one step at a time. Pep talks with myself that I can get through this step, then the next step when that time came etc.. eat what you want, get outside, share with others what you are learning along the way. Nurture a sence of hope and love within yourself. Give yourself permission to experience joy and laughter, anger, sadness and tears like you've not felt that deeply before. It's all so very relevant and valid. Let others help. When they ask if there is anything they can do to help, say yes and that you'll put them on your helpers list to call upon them when needed (opens the door for future help and is welcomg them that you might take them up on their offer when the dust clears). I recently got a free head shave in the comfort of my home from a friend with hair clippers when the time came that i needed this. We took before and after pictures to mark this step in the journey). I try to find silver linings and humor and I can attest, if your looking for these things, you will find them but you might have to look hard and long as they don't always appear (keep looking). Many women and men have forged the way before us, you tap into their mighty strength and wisdom as you make your way through your own journey. You'll find your compass.
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