A friend of mine had a scary diagnosis recently. The big C: cancer. It got me thinking about how I would handle a major illness.
- Do some research. I’d want to understand what was happening in my body, what symptoms I could expect, and what treatments are out there. Sites like www.WebMD.com and the National Institutes of Health are good starting points.
- Get a second opinion. Doctors know a heck of a lot more about health stuff than I do, but nobody is perfect. Your doctor shouldn’t take a second opinion as an insult, or a commentary on his or her skill as a doctor. You have the right to get a second opinion (or a third or a fourth if you feel it is necessary).
- Ask about alternative treatments. I’m a big fan of natural remedies and complimentary medicine. Hypnosis, for example, has been a big help to people undergoing chemotherapy — it can help manage pain and other side effects. I probably wouldn’t forego medical treatment, but I would be interested in complimentary treatment, too.
- Ask about clinical trials. Participation in a clinical trial is a great way to be on the cutting edge of the medical field. And even if a trial didn’t help me, there is the potential to help tons of people in the future by participating. Even if you’re in a control group (a group that doesn’t get the experimental new drug or treatment) you’ll still have a good chance at some very close attention from medical professionals.
- Make a production book. This is an idea I’m stealing from my friend. The production book kept track of doctor appointments, test results, surgical schedule, and more. It had information about emergency contacts, medical history, and just about everything else you could possibly need — all in one place. I think it’s a fantastic way to keep track of everything.
Is my way the only way? No! Is it the right way? No. But if the day comes that you or someone you love gets a scary diagnosis, these ideas might be useful… at least as a starting point to make your own plan of attack.