Cancer is a big word. Fortunately most speak of it only in that singular component. Those of us living with it or sharing with a family or friend know that it is so much more. It's a whole new language, a very powerful language. The more of it you understand, the more you can take part in managing your care, treatment, emotions about the disease.
So, I was thrown back to school to learn a new language once the diagnosis was provided. My surgeon provided an invaluable package from BCCA including the book The Intelligent Patient Guide to Breast Cancer. I hesitated at first to take on this book. Taking it on means that I was owning the diagnosis. So at first I just skimmed through a few pages or select chapters to become comfortable with the whole idea. Once in, I was ready to take on more and more each day. To the point where all I want to do at times is research, research, research.
From the book, BCCA site and many other sites were the secondary sources. Now armed and comfortable with the terms I could take on my pathology report. I learned each term and measure, first going through the surgical pathology report with my surgeon. Once I had that figured out, I wanted more. So now on to getting a copy of the initial biopsy report. Now I had a fairly complete picture of my cancer.
Great, great resources on the internet right down to how to read your pathology report. I think back to the cancer experiences in the past when internet was not available - except maybe to the U.S. military. It would have been a blind journey through the world of cancer. A much more frightening journey.
If I am to take this journey - I am grateful to be taking it while connected to the wired world and other resources available now. I am thankful for those who have shared their journey and their knowledge to empower others.
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