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Your experience could help someone today. Share one piece of advice for those who are newly diagnosed with cancer.
A cancer diagnosis can bring a flood of emotions, questions, and uncertainty. Whether you were diagnosed recently or many years ago, there are often lessons learned along the way that you wish someone had shared with you sooner.
Maybe it's something practical, like keeping a notebook for questions or accepting help when it's offered. Perhaps it's an emotional reminder, such as taking things one day at a time or giving yourself grace during difficult moments.
Every cancer experience is unique, but the wisdom gained through lived experience can be incredibly valuable to someone who is just beginning their journey.
We'd love to hear from you.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone diagnosed with cancer today, what would it be?
Is there a topic you would like to read about on the Cancer Center Blog? Let us know in the comments or email our team at canceredcenter@mayo.edu.
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Positive self talk………every time fear enters the mind. Not easy I know , but it certainly helped me.
Thats good advice, also drink lots of water thruout your treatment.
During the diagnostic period, I set up my "committee" for support. This was my husband, my grown daughter, and my best friend. They made sure someone went with me to all appointments, did some research, and met regularly with me. Most importantly, they worked with me to make decisions. If I was in a gray zone myself, I'd simply do what they suggested. They are very different kinds of people but they all supported me. Also, this helped my husband a lot as he didn't have to do everything. People would ask "what can I do?" I didn't want or need meals! So I set up a bunch of other committees, kind of light-heartedly. I had a "suggest good distracting books to read" one and I asked a friend who is a therapist to be the only member of the "Please tell me if I am acting super irrationally committee." It was a fun way to connect to people, included them, and helped.
You mentioned a journal. I started a journal to keep a list of appointments, any prescribed medications, questions to ask, and sometimes just to write down thoughts. When I look back now, I can see I used the journal to vent and express my emotions.
Even though most providers provide visit information via electronic medical records. My notes in journals were more personal.
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