| Cancer is a shocking word when the doctor is | | | | with cancer needs people to be 'normal'. Talk to |
| saying it in reference to you! You may be in | | | | me. I really need people to talk to. I already feel |
| shock and may not show very much response or | | | | like I'm totally alone in this experience. Be my |
| you might become quite emotional. Everyone is | | | | friend. Don't be afraid of what to say. Just talk to |
| unique, in every aspect of this experience: | | | | me. |
| emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I | | | | Tip #3: I personally believe that cancer is primarily |
| had cancer and eventually was diagnosed as | | | | a spiritual issue. Support me in what I need to do, |
| terminal in 2005. I was able to turn that diagnosis | | | | no matter how irrational it may seem to you. |
| around through alternative means. During my | | | | Even if I die, I NEED to do this. |
| eight-year experience, up to the present day, I | | | | This is the toughest one. We tend to think that |
| learned a few things that I want to share with | | | | living is the ultimate goal. It is, in most cases, but |
| people who are newly diagnosed and also the | | | | for some, it's about dying in a way that has the |
| friends and family of those dealing with cancer. | | | | greatest spiritual benefits and other advantages |
| Tip #1: My experience, and yours, with cancer is | | | | for everyone involved. There is an 'inner knowing' |
| unique. | | | | which guides each individual to do what's 'right' for |
| Many people upon hearing your particular diagnosis | | | | them. The most important thing that you can do |
| will assume that they know everything about it | | | | is to honor and support that person's own unique |
| and you. Even if they've already had the same | | | | path. |
| diagnosis, they only know their own experience as | | | | Tip #4: If you can do #3, then you will be open |
| it related to their unique situation. For me, I had | | | | to the rare privilege of a view into an expanded |
| experiences where my situation was sometimes | | | | state of awareness; to aspects of life that |
| minimized by others because they had heard the | | | | connect us to something greater than our body |
| good news of new treatments. In an effort, to | | | | and mind, that are most often not available to us. |
| support me they put on a good front and | | | | Seek the quiet moments to share with me about |
| minimized. I felt very under-appreciated for the | | | | what I'm experiencing, that I don't talk about to |
| seriousness of my situation that I was going | | | | anyone else, especially to groups of people. |
| through. Yes, survival rates are better these | | | | This is your opportunity to experience the beauty |
| days, but survival does come with a comparison | | | | and the gifts that come with moments of crisis |
| to those who died because many people do die. | | | | or transition in one's life. So few have an |
| Tip #2: Talk to me! Do things with me! Work with | | | | opportunity to share this. Allow me to share and |
| me! Don't avoid me! | | | | receive a great gift yourself. |
| For friends, family and co-workers, the person | | | | My best wishes on your unique journey! |