- Research what hospitals are the leaders in your type of cancer, review your options, and their statistics. US News and World Reports assesses hospitals every year at http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals
- Clinical trials may produce better results than the standard of care. Visit http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
- Interview your oncologist to make sure you are comfortable with them because you’ll be spending a lot of time with this person. I believe that someone who is positive and has good delivery is key.
- Ask questions and keep your own records. If you do not understand, ask / write everything down and ask for copies of all your scans (CT/PET/MRI). Get a big accordion folder and label each section. It will be helpful one day.
- Everything takes a lot of time and time goes slowing when you are waiting to be treated. Make sure you have a good book – buy a Kindle.
- Be your own Advocate, or find someone who will be your Advocate. This could save your life.
- Ask for help – you’ll be surprised of the results. Email and call friends and family – this is not a time to be shy!
- Think outside the box. Combining Eastern and Western philosophies can work miracles. Consider yoga, rakkii, mediation, acupuncture, prayer, energy work, or anything that keeps you feel positive and moving forward.
- Eat “healing foods”. Remember, “Garbage in, Garbage out”. Veggies with bright colors, and big leaves are your new friends. Stay away from processed stuff. You are building a castle.
- Every time a door closes, another one opens. It’s up to you to find it!
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