The Journey Through Cancer: An Oncologist's Seven-Level Program For Healing And Transforming The Whole Person - Jeremy R. Geffen - Paperback - REPRINT

"I'VE JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER. WHAT SHOULD I DO?" Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, you may find yourself facing this frightening experience without any knowledge or understanding of how best to help yourself. The sheer volume of information that is now available about cancer and various treatment options can make the aftermath of diagnosis even more distressing for you and your family. The appropriate answers to your questions are unique to you and your specific circumstances, and they should come directly from your physician. However, a few basic principles can help everyone who faces this challenge: 1. Recognize that fear is natural, and know that it can be overcome. For the great majority of patients, there is a sharp and very understandable focus on the physical aspects of the illness and treatment process. An important message of this book bears repeating here: The mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of cancer are often as immediate, urgent, and challenging--if not more so--than the physical concerns. By understanding and recognizing fear as a completely normal reaction, you can begin to develop the conviction that it can and will be overcome. Recognize your need for love, support, and highly reliable information and know that you can and will find it. No matter how scared or confused you may be feeling, you must consciously choose to believe that you will get the care and support that you need and deserve. Decide right now to seek out and utilize the many sources of comfort and emotional support that can so greatly benefit you at this time. You will be amazed by the number of loving, caring individuals, organizations, and groups that are ready and willing to help. Information about these is provided in the appendices at the end of this book. But you must be open and willing to receive what they have to offer. Once again: decide right now to give yourself the gift of love and support that can be so precious at this critical time. 2. Slow down the decision-making process. In the initial phase of dealing with cancer, you may feel a sense of urgency to decide what kind of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments you should have. You may also want to know about taking herbs, vitamins, and supplements, and about how you should change your diet--and you will want this information immediately. Very few instances exist in cancer treatment, however, in which such urgency is warranted. The process can almost always be slowed down for at least a few days in order to gather information and support. Don't allow yourself to be frightened or pressured into making any decisions about yoru treatment until you have a clear understanding of your choices. Take time to explore your options. Take time to breathe--and breathe deeply! 3. Ask yourself this question: Do I have trust and confidence in my doctor? In order to safely and effectively navigate your way through the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, you must have a qualified guide. In my opinion, this guide should be a well-trained oncologist who is experienced in dealing with your particular kind of cancer. In addition, you should feel assured that your doctor cares about you as an individual, and that he or shGeffen, Jeremy is the author of 'The Journey Through Cancer: An Oncologist's Seven-Level Program For Healing And Transforming The Whole Person - Jeremy R. Geffen - Paperback - REPRINT' with ISBN 9780609807040 and ISBN 0609807048.