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Help on the WebSo you have Cancer - 3 First Steps for your Consideration

So you have Cancer - 3 First Steps for your Consideration By Maria Moratto

You don’t feel any different, except for little things here and there that are more annoying than frightening. Your life has been good, just like everyone else’s: some ups, some downs, some exhilarations, some crisis. Nothing truly extraordinary. You work, you pay taxes, you have a family, you are satisfied, you have friends, pets, co-workers, children, partners, a car or a house, or both, you have credit cards, you eat all right, you groom yourself, you make love, and so on and so forth. You think your life is ok; you know you are ok.

Then just like that, something in you appears to be a little funny. So you make an appointment with your physician. Next thing you know, you are swarmed with physicians, exams, tests, and finally the diagnosis. It is cancer. You panic. You feel disbelief. Me? No way. I am so healthy! Everyone panics. You? Impossible. You are so healthy! You always felt so good! You don’t feel any different. But now things have changed permanently in your life.

First comes the pressure. Urgency is required. You are not allowed any time to think things over and decide what you want to do and how you are going to do it. Conventional wisdom tells you to do three things: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy. People expect you to do them, the medical establishment demands you do them. You think you have no choice. You don’t know better. You are now very afraid you are going to die.

Though the hurry may seem justified, there are 3 things you need to do before taking action:

1. Accept responsibility for your own life; your own doings, your own healing.

You and only you can decide what course of action to take and when. After all, it is your life and no one knows it better than yourself. Be grateful for the support you receive from others but do what you think is best for you.

2. Take time for yourself.

When they know you have been hurt (or, yikes, diagnosed), people will want to speak with you; they will want to help you, they will want to see you. Accept their help but take time to concentrate.

Give yourself time. Go on a retreat, if you can, or spend quiet time in prayer and meditation. Be silent. Be still. Ask Spirit for the best course of action. Pray for inspiration and wait. It will come to you.

3. Go deep into your wound

Whatever it may be: cry, grieve your losses, go to your underworld if you must (just like Orpheus). You will come back from it a much stronger person. Do what you need to do without pretenses. You must be true to your hurt, to your feelings. Your acceptance that you are hurt is your biggest step for your true healing. Just don’t dwell in the question “Why” because you will have no answer that will satisfy you. On the contrary, it will do you no good. Forget that one and you will feel better.

Taking these first steps will do an incredible amount of good. Then, you will have your decision. Follow it with an open heart. Know that everything that happens to you happens for your highest good.

© Maria Moratto 2006
Want to have more abundance, health, time, love, fun, and blessings? Visit Prescription For Bliss at www.rx4bliss.com, sign up for the newsletter and receive a fr*ee ebook called "Happy People Are More Abundant!"
Dr. Maria Moratto is the author of "The Inspired Healing For Your Body, Mind, and Soul," "The Inspired Healing Journal: Mending Your Broken Heart," and "Attract Money Journal." Visit her site to get fr*ee affirmation cards.
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What You Should Do Right Now!

Cancer is a disease that begins in the various cells of our bodies. Each of us has millions of different cells that are grouped together to form tissues or organs such as muscles and bones, the lungs, or the liver. Inside of each cell there are genes that contain the cellular blueprints on how those cells grow, work, reproduce and die. Normally, our cells follow the blueprints that are programmed into our cells. What this normal action occurs we remain healthy. Sometimes a cell’s instructions get mixed up and the cell behaves abnormally.

Over time, groups of abnormal cells can form lumps or tumors, or can spread to throughout the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors cells stay are stationary and stay in one place in the body. Benign tumors are usually not life-threatening. On the other hand, malignant tumor cells are able to invade the tissues around them and spread to other parts of the body. when cancerous cells spread to other parts of the body it is called metastases.

Usually, the first sign that a malignant tumor has spread is swelling of nearby lymph nodes, but cancer can metastasize to almost any part of the body. It is important to find malignant tumors early and treat them. Cancers are named after the part of the body where they start. For example, cancer that starts in the colon but spreads to the liver is called colon cancer with liver metastases. Cancers that spread, without control or treatment damage the healthy cells in the body and can cause death. Early detection and treatment can mean a permanent cure for many types of cancer.

Cancer is a word that brings fear to most of us. It is important to remember than many cancers are curable. Do not let your fear or the fear of your loved one stop them from getting the best treatment available as soon as possible.
Your loved one will be dealing with a great deal during this time. It is important for you to be strong and supportive to help in their recovery. If your own emotions are making it difficult to be supportive look into a therapist or support group that focuses on helping those who are supporting a loved one with cancer.
Hearing a cancer diagnosis is very difficult for many people. They may experience some or all of these emotions: shock, worried, scared, anxious, guilty, angry, sad, isolated, or depressed. They may feel different emotions at different times. Do not take it personally if your loved one expresses anger. Often it has nothing to do with you but is an expression of the anger and frustration they are feeling over their cancer diagnosis or treatment. Also, your loved one may want to be alone to think through the many aspects of dealing with this illness. Do not take this as a rejection. It's not about you; its about your loved one.
Don't change towards your loved one or withdraw from them because of your own fears about the illness. Your support and encouragement can be a very important part of your loved one's recovery.
Let your loved one lead the conversation. Listen carefully to what is really being said and try not to give too much advice that may not be wanted.
Don't treat your loved one differently because they have cancer. Be yourself and offer to do the things you did before the cancer diagnosis.
Unless you've also been treated for cancer refrain from saying, "I know how you must feel." You do not know how it feels to deal with cancer if you haven't dealt with cancer personally.
Cancer treatment can last for a long time so continue to be there for your loved one.
Remember that your loved one may have a difficult time traveling or doing certain things while there are undergoing treatment or if the cancer progresses. Be thoughtful and creative in showing your caring. For example, if a trip to the beauty salon is out of the question you might try to have a stylist or manicurist come to the house. Help by preparing meals or providing transportation to appointments. Above all, be consistent and maintain your promises. Your loved one is counting on you to remain supportive and consistent.
Sometimes, people with cancer do not get better. You must allow your loved one to make difficult decisions for themselves such as when to stop treatments and to live the rest of their lives as they see fit. While most cancer patients are able to face their death pain-free with narcotics it will be very difficult for you to see your loved one stop treatment and work towards a peaceful ending to this life. Get the help that you need from a trained professional so that you can work through your own issues regarding death and grief.

Disclaimer-This website is for information and guidance purposes only and in no way takes the place of professional help to deal with the particular and serious situations listed in this website. This information should be used as an information tool only. If you or someone you know is in need of help please contact a professional in that field immediately. We do not personally endorse or recommend any of the resources, links, books, or other references listed in this website unless specifically stated. This information exists for the user to review and to judge independently the usefulness of the resources based on their own needs and judgments.