Next Sunday marks the 23rd National Cancer Survivors Day, a worldwide celebration of life, held in hundreds of communities and many countries. A survivor is anyone living with a history of cancer — from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.
Breast cancer has touched both me and my daughter-in-law, so I was especially interested to come across two helpful tools which could make a big difference to anyone with a cancer diagnosis. The first is a book, “The Saving of Gordon — Lifelines to Win Against Cancer” by Joni-James Aldrich, and its handy companion, the “Cancer Patient Win Book Journal,” an excellent repository for all your doctor visits and notes.
The author believes that if cancer affects you or a loved one, you will be in crisis, but despite that, you should not make assumptions or rash decisions. Your survival may well depend on knowing and understanding all options, the side effects and ramifications.
Aldrich feels, “Knowledge is your armor. Your doctor is a doctor — not God. He doesn’t have all the answers.” Her book explains that there are more than 100 different types of cancer, and there is no type of cancer from which someone has not recovered.
The same cancer can act differently in different people and a wrong diagnosis can lead to the wrong treatment and the danger of delay. The author states that doctors are there to advise you of your options, and that is why it is so important to find those who have the most experience.
She also is a believer, as am I, in getting a reliable second opinion. Her wise advice regarding cancer is certainly applicable to other illnesses, as well. For example, she says if your cancer situation is serious and life-threatening, get treatment at the facility with the experts. We’re lucky to live near our new Smilow Cancer Center and Sloan Kettering. The author lists these important questions to ask:
-How serious is the type of cancer that I have?
-What stage is my cancer in?
-Is there effective treatment available?
-Is a clinical trial an option?
-What cancer facility is available that treats the most cases of my type of cancer?
-Who and where is the No. 1 oncologist for my type of cancer?
Although she eventually lost Gordon to a rare type of cancer, Joni James Aldrich’s beautifully written and researched book is a lasting tribute to their special relationship and to her determined spirit against great odds. Not all of us have the ability or staying power to do such extensive, difficult work, and that is where my second resource could prove extremely valuable.
Independent patient advocate Robert Capria offers one-on-one individual information, guidance and help. He and his wife (both cancer survivors themselves) live in the New Haven area and while he does not offer medical advice, he does claim that with the research and guidance he can offer, better outcomes are more achievable.
He does the difficult leg work, obtains the latest medical information so that you can make the best treatment choices. After visiting his www.independentpatientadvocates.com, I certainly wound want him on my team if my cancer were to re-occur.
“The Saving of Gordon” may be ordered at www.thecancerlifeline.com. Independent Patient Advocates offers a free phone consult at 203-980-6064.
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