Sources For Finding Advice On Cancer
After you recover from the initial shock of being diagnosed with cancer, the first thing that you will want to do is become as informed as possible about the cancer you have been diagnosed with. You may be at a loss as to where to find information, so this article is meant to outline the major sources of information you have available to you.
Of course, the first place for you to find information is your diagnosing doctor. Many people neglect this source of information because they are in shock when supplied with the information and neglect to ask questions because of their disbelief. Doctors, because they are so well acquainted with the process and the information, do not always supply you with information because they forget that their patients are not very well versed with the subject. Before you visit your doctor, write down the questions you have so that you will not forget to ask anything you want the answer to. It will also provide you a way to take notes on the answers.
If you live in any kind of a metropolitan area, there should be a support group for cancer survivors or those dealing with cancer. Visit these support groups so that the people there can provide you with information on their own experiences. They can tell you the things they learned to make it easier, such as foods that work with chemo, and a million of other little things to help make your life easier. Aside from information, you can develop a support network of people that know exactly what you are going through.
If you do not live in an area large enough to have one of these support groups for cancer patients, there are two options open to you. First, you can start your own, second you can look online for a forum form of a support group. These online forums provide much the same support and information that live ones. In addition, you may find these types of forums useful in the beginning, as you can maintain your anonymity. This may help you get accustomed to telling your story before you do it in person.
Seek out a specialist. This can be either online or in person, but there are usually sources for you to find a specialist through counseling outposts. These specialists can provide you with detailed and specific information.
Share your struggle with your friends and family. By keeping them up to date, you can help control the support you get. Telling people what is going on through email will keep them from calling you all the time. Sometimes you want your privacy, but by doing this you will help keep your life private by avoiding the drop in or unwanted calls
By using the sources of information in the this article, hopefully you will be able to get familiar with the cancer you have. Information is power, and you can use that power to fight. Good luck to you in that fight, and remember to ask all the questions on your mind.
