“Cancer”
You are not alone.
The word “cancer” refers to hundreds of different malignancies that share similar fundamental properties, being a health issue that demands continuous action. *https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0928098720301901
The most important thing I can share is this: You are not alone. Thousands of people like you are researching, sharing protocols, and offering information during their cancer journey. So stay positive, keep learning, and keep fighting!
I’m not a doctor. This information is not medical advice.
I’m sixty years old, and twice doctors have told me, in no uncertain terms, “You are dying. Make preparations.” Those moments changed everything, leading me to reflect and share my life here with you.
From the moment a doctor speaks, your personal journey begins. Experts say there are seven steps of grief.
Shock. ...
Denial. ...
Anger. ...
Bargaining. ...
Depression. ...
Acceptance and hope. ...
Processing grief.
American-Swiss psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross first highlighted 5 stages of grief in the 1960s. Since then, her approach has been adapted and extended to 7 stages, and within that, there’s still room for debate. *https://www.hcf.com.au/health-agenda/body-mind/mental-health/moving-through-grief
Do all dying people experience these emotions in a set sequence? It’s unclear, as everyone’s journey is personal, and emotions often appear in different orders or repeat. However, speaking from experience, when you first learn of being very sick or dying, you will visit many, if not all, of the seven stages. Because of what doctors told me, I’ve been through the list twice over the past twenty-five years. I’m still here.
During this period of grief, I’ve performed morbid tasks such as selecting my coffin, had face-to-face meetings with funeral directors arranging for my burial, hired the funeral home to pick up my dead body (I live alone), and prepared all of my estate planning documentation.
When the doctor tells you that life is ending, you’ll cry about all the people you will never see again and try to predict who needs help when you are dead and gone. Each time you check into the hospital, you will wonder if yesterday was the last time you’ll see your house or your pets. You will likely start crying. You may even get angry with God for letting this happen to you. Or, try to make a bargain with the almighty that allows you to live in exchange for some promise or action. I’ve done all of these.
You may have hospice care visit your home and detail their procedure and costs for “helping you die,” or get prices on oxygen tanks for your bedroom. Hospice really sucks. It’s a mess for anyone to go through this process. I’ll never do it again for myself or anyone else.