How A Cancer Diagnosis Changed Our Lives For the Better
5 Lessons I Learned To Be A Champion Advocate and Caregiver
I remember the exact moment my husband was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. When you hear the word “cancer” everything in your world stops and that moment is imprinted into your memory. I remember the room, where I was sitting, where my husband was sitting and mostly, the look on my husband’s face. The color drained from his face and I knew in that instance, I would be in charge of this journey that was forced upon us.
As the doctor announced the course of action, threw out terms we were not familiar with and laid out the treatment plan, as if we had no choice, I interrupted him. “Excuse me” I said, “we have questions before we agree to any treatment plan.” He looked at me like I just interrupted The Pope and said, “This is the protocol for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and we need to start treatment right away.” Well, that ignited my fire and it was on. “This might be your 100th time dealing with a cancer diagnosis, but this is our first, and we will not be agreeing to anything, until my questions are answered,” was my reply. The doctor gave me a cold stare and was apparently aghast that I dare question his recommendation and the protocol. Undeterred, I then asked one question, “I read that diet is very important during cancer treatment, especially eliminating sugar. What…
