5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Cancer Treatment

Now that David is 6 years cancer free, he has thought back about some things he wish he knew before he started treatment and compiled 5 tips to share.

"You have cancer." Those are three words nobody ever wants to hear but unfortunately millions do every year. I'll never forget that vivid moment when the radiologist pulled me out of a PET/CT scan and told me those words. My whole world stopped, and the feeling of utter fear set in that left me literally and figuratively numb, for a bout.

Coming through on the other side, I am bruised but wiser. I now have the unique opportunity to share my experiences with others so that hopefully, it's that much easier for those who come after me. As a survivor (going on 6 years now), I take with me so much knowledge that I wish was available to me at the very beginning of the journey, when it was all so overwhelming and scary. The tiny details nobody thinks to tell you can have a large impact on your experience.

Here are a few tips, based on my personal cancer journey, which may help you to make the whole process just that much easier:

1. Find your safe place.

The reality is that you will simply have moments where you just don't feel well and want some sense of peace and healing. Whether it be your bedroom, a corner in your hospital room, a quiet room in your outpatient facility, or even underwater in the in bathtub, it's crucial to have a place that’s only for you – somewhere you can relax, gather your thoughts (or eliminate thoughts all together), and focus your energy on getting better. There are so many protocols, opinions, and overall noise that it’s easy to forget the healing process involves both the body

and

mind.

2. Do your research.

There are a lot of

"it depends, every patient is different"

answers when it comes to the effects of cancer treatment(s). Take the time to read through the materials your medical team provides. You'll get a much clearer idea of what treatment actually involves, as well the potential side effects. Fear of the unknown can be THE scariest part of treatment but knowing what to expect, while it's not completely soothing, can drastically reduce your anxiety and allow you to have some sense of stability.

3. Create a support network.

You can't do it/go through it alone. Having a group– whether family, friends, a significant other, or an online platform – who uplift and encourage you can radically influence your mental state while undergoing treatment. It can often feel like nobody understands what you're going through at first, so it's important to seek out those who support you and make you feel connected. One online resource that was extremely helpful for me, besides IHadCancer.com, was

Stupid Cancer

, a network for young adult cancer patients and survivors.

4. Expect the unexpected, sometimes.

There are never guarantees with treatment, which can be frustrating and worrisome. Changing your mindset to "roll with the process" can make the experience much less strenuous, which is what your body needs in order to heal. Sometimes blood counts don't bounce back as fast as you had planned, now and again infections arise, and treatment plans can extend beyond what you were initially told. These are all common during treatment, and the more flexible your expectations are, the more likely it is that you and your medical team can navigate the process together calmly.

5. Be an active player in your care.

While medical professionals have your best interest and care at heart, they aren't you. We know our bodies better than anyone else, and if you have an opinion about the direction of your treatment, you need to speak up. While doing your research is important, being your own advocate is even more important! Your gut instinct is usually right and cancer treatment should be a collaborative process rather than a directive one.

What are some things you wish you knew before you started treatment? Share them in the comments below.

Related Blog Posts:

• Is It Possible to Make Peace With Cancer Treatment?
• This Is For Anyone Who Has Just Been Diagnosed with Cancer
• 7 Things NOT To Do When Diagnosed With Cancer

Related Discussion Questions:

• Did anyone else get anxiety from their cancer treatment?
• Going through radiation for breast cancer...my emotions are across the board. Has anyone else experienced the emotional roller coaster?
• I'm in my last two months of chemo. Any suggestions for getting through these last four treatments.

(Image courtesy of the DepositPhotos)