So last week I was back visiting my old friends at the Nuclear Medicine Department. There was nothing sinister about my visit, I just needed to organise my full body scan for June. What a mission! Here’s how I manage the medical merry go round these days…
Be like a Boy Scout and Be Prepared.
Everyone knows that Cancer is a sneaky bugger, it can come right up and bite you on the butt when you’re least expecting it and has more twists and turns than a corkscrew, however, once you get a grip, or it gets a grip on you, there’s no better feeling than taking control of the things you can. The lack of control over the disease and what it was doing to my body was one of the most distressing things for me, I felt like I was possessed by an alien. Taking charge of things that I could control gave me an enormous sense of wellbeing. No one really knows what’s going on in my body right now as my antibodies are still rocketing into orbit, so the scan will be the only way of finding out what’s really occurring. Booking the appointment, which isn’t till June, not only puts me in the driving seat, it also gives me time to practically prepare, organising work, time off, and getting my accounts in order, and equally importantly, mentally prepare, to get my head around it. My tip is to try and schedule appointments to work with and around your schedule where possible. Having Cancer is inconvenient enough! Being organised and knowing that your house is in order, your loved ones and kids are taken care of, and that you can balance the bank account, can bring an enormous sense of wellbeing… even at the most trying of times. Of course, you can’t be prepared for every event, but where possible a little forward planning goes a long way.
It’s coming right at ya – so know what’s coming!
Know what’s in store. If you’re having treatment, knowledge is power. Make sure you ask your doctors all you need to know, and then some. If they don’t give you the answers you’re looking for, ask again. If you can familiarise yourself with the place and if possible, meet the people who work where you will be treated or scanned. When I was preparing for my days as Radioactive Girl, I really wanted to see the room before D day, I didn’t and, hey, I survived without the sneak preview, but I wish I had had it all the same. The fear of the unknown is not to be underestimated. This scan won’t be nearly so scary as the last, simply because I’ve been there, done that although, I never got a T-Shirt! I think the Nuclear Medicine Secretary thought I was a few burgers short of a barbecue booking so far ahead but I just think it’s dandy. I’m even going to brave enough to take pictures of the process this time. I think I can twist David’s arm just enough for him to be my official photographer! It feels much less scary being familiar with the place and the peeps, I am now on first name terms with the Nuclear Medicine Nurse!
Think Positive
Let’s cut to the chase here. There is simply nothing nice about having Cancer. I’m not going to sugar coat it to make everyone feel better. However, I am choosing to be happy, because quite simply it is good for my health! Life is really better when you’re laughing. I am a big believer in the law of cause and effect. Positive mind, positive causes and a positive attitude to life have a positive effect on my own health and well being, the feelings of the people around me and my environment. We are each in charge of our own happiness. So, I’m not going to worry about my scan until it rolls around and when it does, I’ll cross any bridges I come to. In the meantime, there’s a big plus, I’ll get a week off work and with two thousand bucks worth of Thyrogen in my butt, I’m sure to be unstoppable! Imagine all the cooking and studying I’ll get done! See, there’s always an up side!
Feel free to share your top tips on coping with the Cancer Carousel. I’d love you to leave a comment!
photo credit: Barts1a via creative commons
