GETTING A CANCER DIAGNOSIS

 Receiving a cancer diagnosis of any type can be daunting. I understand that as I have received a cancer diagnosis three separate times. It is important to stay calm and get your information from your doctor, not well-meaning friends and neighbors. Ask your doctor to recommend literature about your cancer, this is usually available to some extent in the doctor's office. While you may feel overwhelmed after the diagnosis, it is important to know what to expect. One thing that can be important is to talk with someone who has or had your same type of cancer. Jonny Imerman is a cancer survivor and has founded Imerman Angels an organization that matches people who have cancer with mentors for free. You can contact this organization at imermanangels.org. Mr. Imerman recently gave the following three things for those who have been diagnosed to know:

• "There is someone out there who has survived the exact same cancer you have." Remember, whatever the details of your diagnosis may be, there's always hope.
• "Give yourself grace for the first two months." After the shock and confusion you may be feeling wears off, you'll settle into a routine. You'll know what to expect from treatment. You'll get to know your medical team. It won't always be as scary as it may feel today.
• "After treatment, your life will be different." Be ready for changes in your outlook, goals and priorities. Take the time you need to slowly build yourself back up physically, mentally and socially. And try not to make any big life-changing decisions right after you finish treatment.

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