Here is a few tips that might be useful for you
- Don't delay - small fire can be pull off easily. Bigger fire need more water and time to pull it off (means longer time and more money). And when fire turn into big flame, it will destroy everything (including life). Cancer won't heal by itself, it will only spread more if you wait longer.
- I had mentioned before, when "caring friend" know you are sick, they tend to approach you to sell something. But if it make your condition worsen, those "caring friend" will not be beside you. Its your doctor who always beside you when you are sick
- I started my treatment immediately. It take 6 month and cost RM20k. I had another mate, who is a survivor, but he wasted a lot of time and money (1 yr and spend almost $100k). Btw if you are young, you can do chemo and radio therapy together, only 7 week (and it is a really tough week)
- During chemo, eat sufficient of meat to recover back loss cell. But don't over eat because you will be fat after that.
- Radiotherapy is really a hard session, some patient stop for a period of time, which is not good, because cancer cell might grow back while you are resting. It is advisable to continuously blast them, so they have lesser chance to survive. I know it is hard in this stage, as I almost give up...
- Socialize, having cancer don't mean you are isolated from the world. Talk to people and it will help to reduce the stress during treatment. And believe me, normal people like to listen to cancer story over and over and over and ... Everyday I chat with my friend online, telling them all the pains... and I feel much better after that
- If can quit working, and fully focus on treatment. I had my painful lesson for my stubbornness (yeah doctor repeatedly ask me to quit my job)
- ... (to be added)
3 comments:
Thats a great post Lai - it will definitely help other cancer patients. Moreover some of the points that you mention you learned painfully (like being stubborn about not quitting your job) - thats relevant too. It is good that the patient knows this from a person who's been through it. The decision is theirs but at least they are aware of what it involves.
By the way - the meat during chemo is for proteins, correct? What are vegetarians supposed to eat? Any idea?
Finally - I think the best advice you have given is about the "socializing" aspect. Many people cut themselves off from the rest of the world - which is rally self-destructive. You showed them the other, more effective and probably easier way!
Well written!
Hi Lai, my take on it (on top of what you have written):
1. Seek a second opinion from another oncologist, if you can. The treatment plan prescribed can be different from one oncologist to another.
2. Try to understand your own treatment. Especially for chemo, I understand there are various drugs that can be used for the treatment. Some with more adverse effects but with better impact on the cancer cells. Some drugs are new on the market and may not be available to all hopsitals. It helps to search the internet to equip yourself. Of course the doctor will know better than you but it helps to ask more questions.
3. For radiotherapy - there are various technologies available now as well. The newest technology, is usually not available at all hospitals too. I believe curently NCI has the cutting edge equiptment for radiotherapy. It may cost more, but the after effects of the treatment can be lessen compared to older radiotherapy technology.
4. Do not believe any other alternative treatment that people tell you. Chemo and Radio are proven to fight cancer. If you still wish to try alternative medicine/supplements, do so only AFTER you finish your treatment.
5. Diet - Before you start your treatment, eat as much as you can (of course, I mean a healthy and balanced diet). Your ability to continue eating normally will decrease as your number of treatment increases. You must stay healthy enough to finish your treatment as planned, otherwise the oncologist will stop your treatment if you fail your blood test. Do not cut down on meat and suddenly increase your intake of vegetable/fruit juices. Again, the emphasis here is on a balanced diet (what that means, you can google, he he). Also, I was told it is better for cancer patients to stay away from raw food, i.e. sushi as it is easier for them to get infected/sick.
6. Mental - you must stay positive. Do not dwell on why you are unlucky enough to get cancer, what's the use of that? Always believe you will get well, if you are mentally strong your body will be strong as well.
7. Finally, get in touch with nature. Try go for a walk in the park and breathe more fresh air. A favourite spot for me was FRIM (Kepong). Every sunday morning, there is a qigong session there for cancer patients, for free. If you're a non-believer in qigong, you can just go there to socialize as there are many cancer (ex and curent) patients.
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