Good news and some thoughts

Last week I had a mammogram done and met with my surgeon for the 1-year follow up. The good news is that there is no evidence of recurring or new cancer! I can breathe a sigh of relief for the next six months! Recently someone asked me for some tips on dealing with cancer... this is what I came up with:

The Top 10 Things I've Learned from Cancer

1. Keep a positive attitude about your diagnosis and treatment... you can curl up in a ball and cry for the next 12 months, or you can deal with it and move forward!

2. Find out if your friends and family know anyone who has the same kind of cancer and call them. Especially if you are still looking for a treatment center or a surgeon.

3. Forgiveness is the key to healing. If you are angry at someone, even in your distant past, it will impede healing. Forgive the people in your past and you will find peace.

4. Don't be afraid to call on friends and family when you need support. There are all kinds of things they can do for you when you can't do it yourself. From grocery shopping to laundry to scooping the dog poop!

5. Keep any negative people away from you while undergoing this process. You don't need that crap!

6. Support groups aren't my thing, so I blogged at places like "crazy sexy cancer" and "planet cancer." you meet a lot of people who understand what you are going through. There are also local cancer reatreats where you can go and relieve some stress, cry on people's shoulders and find strength. Harmony Hill on Hood Canal is awesome, and it's free!

7. Don't be afraid to laugh about cancer. Sometimes it's funny, like when you get a prescription for a "cranial prosthesis" (wig). I have a t-shirt that says, "hey cancer, you picked the wrong bitch!" It makes me feel good. (chucklenutshirts.com)

8. Ask your doctors lots of questions. Get their email. Research things online and then discuss it with your oncologist. If something doesn't sit right, don't let them bully you. Tell them you want to think about it, research it and find out what your options are. There is always an option to do something else.

9. There are some great books out there that are inspiring. My favorites were "kitchen table wisdom" and "crazy sexy cancer tips."

10. It's all about you right now, so take advantage of it. Play the "cancer card" when you need it and let people help you.