Member-only story
Cancer: Advice for the Newly Diagnosed
We just went through it. We can help.
Ugh, fucking cancer. If you have been recently diagnosed — or know someone who has — this post is meant to help. Yesterday, an old friend reached out to ask me for advice, and I thought I would share my response with you. Both my partner and I have been through it in the last two years. Mine was stage three colon cancer (I am in remission); his was/is leukemia (he continues to fight valiantly). For context, what follows was addressed to the wife of the newly diagnosed man, so it’s really caregiver advice. You can see how it applies to both the patient and the caregiver.
First, take a really deep breath. The process is long and grueling. Just to be real with you. But there is another side. And we’re on it. You will get there, even when it feels like you will not. Along the way, you’ll see things you never imagined you’d see and feel things you never imagined you’d (have to) feel. Learning to stop and breathe is key. If you haven’t learned this in life yet, there is only ever this moment. It sounds really woo-woo, but it’s never more true than when you’re going through this. Getting present — and having a physical way to do that — can help. Breathe. Now. Yes, right now.
Be super organized. Take notes on every doctor, every visit, every medication — so you know it all…
