Just found out?
A new diagnosis can often be full on. I want to firstly let you know that there is alot of support and I am here to help.
Knowing what you need and how to get support is what I hope to be able to help you with. I have been there myself and on both sides of the journey having being diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and a doctor since 1998. My focus as a doctor has been on harnessing lifestyle, mind, body and spirit for health and wellbeing. Using this knowledge for my own healing showed what worked and new ways that helped.
I found out in 2017 a breast cancer lump, in 2022 another lump, BRCA1 gene positive and 2023 metastases in the spine. Each time came with a whole different experience. But I am happy to say I was better able to deal with it all having gone through it before.
The most recent diagnosis was after having back pain where I was bed bound. I was on a working holiday by myself in remote town called Exmouth and stayed in the local hospital until they had room on the Royal Flying Doctor Service plane to transfer me to Perth city’s high care ward for a few days and then the Cancer ward at another Hospital. Each place was filled with uncertainty that I had to accept otherwise I would have just not been able to cope. Dealing with not only the news of metastases with spinal precautions as there was possiblity of being paralysed but more urgently, my swinging levels of calcium and potassium in my blood that were life threatening was where I was at. Being so weak and delirious I found it hard to express myself. When I was able to leave the high care ward, waiting with my two friends for the ambulance to arrive, I just sobbed and it moved to yelling with sounds of fustration, sadness and fear. I was sharing a room with a few others and am usually a quiet and considered person, but it really was the only way I could express all that emotion so I could move on. Better in than out they say! I felt good that I had the strength to do that.
Where do I start? Take a listen here 🦋
Dealing with Emotions and Information
Emotions are at an all time high initially. As intense as it may be, can make you feel more alive! It’s not always going to be like this. It is normal to experience fear, anxiety, sadness, anger and overwhelm. Being able to acknowledge and express emotion as soon as it arises is helpful to be able to move through the feeling and be clear of it.
☼TIPS:
␥ Write it in a journal
␥ Talk to a loved one or professional
␥ Phone a 24hr helpline or cancer support line
␥ Meditation
␥ Exercise
␥ Self soothing practice
␥ Scream, cry, punch a bag, get lots of hugs
␥ Getting more knowledge about what’s going on can ease anxiety
␥ Having a big picture perspective is helpful by talking to other cancer survivors
␥ There’s a book called Radical Remission , surviving cancer against all odds by Kelly A Turner . It is about a researcher interviewing people’s success with overcoming cancer
Information includes details about the cancer and managment. For example, waiting for results, dealing with the diagnosis, understanding the medical information given. Often all the information the oncologist, radiologist or surgeon says can be missed. It maybe hard to get another timely chance to talk to them again so these are important conversations to be able to get as much information from. There are often support nurses available to talk to also.
☼TIPS:
␥ Organise your info! Folders are handy so all test results, invoices etc are all in one place. Have one book to write all your lists and information.
␥ Writing lists of what needs to be done
␥ Write questions before your specialist appointment
␥ Write appointment details down during the appoint or record on your phone
␥ Have someone with you at appointments that can take notes
Chill’n in the Green Zone
Putting time aside to chill is shown to be healing for the mind, body and spirit. I found having time to rest and appreciate the day is just as important as all the ‘doing’ that goes with first finding out.
You will get through this
An inner resolve, strength, will, fight, force to face whatever comes your way is what can shine the light through any dark times that arise. Take time to feel this for yourself. It may also feel stronger with certain people around you so let them know so they can be there for you.
Shining a brighter light can be encouraged with reminding yourself often of this. Visualise this strength and it increasing in your mind and body. Reflecting on obstacles that you have already overcome is encouraging.
Rallying your loved ones
♡
Your loved ones want to help. Be honest and upfront about what you are going through so they know what they can do for you. I was fortunate to have a friend do all the organising such as people to visit and food drop offs. Using communication apps such as a whatsapps group is great to keep people up to date with what’s going on and for the group to get in touch with each other. My superduper support crew group on whatsapp also meant that I would only have to update once.
There is always someone to connect with at any time, it’s often limited by if you feel up to it. Don’t forget the phone and video chats are great options if you can’t see someone, even if they are living close by. I found that sometimes when I didn’t feel like it and someone made contact, I felt better for it. Keep yourself feeling as good as possible.