Are you facing a serious medical diagnosis? Here are five tips to help you navigate the pain.

Cancer is just one diagnosis that can turn your life upside down. But there is hope in the pain.

Illnesses ranging from diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and auto immune challenges have a wide affect across this world. Regardless of what diagnosis you are facing, having strategies to navigate the challenge is essential for your well being in the most difficult times.

Although this article will focus on cancer specifically, the principles apply to any illness you or a loved one may be challenged with. There is hope in the pain. 

According to the Cancer Institute, In 2020, an estimated 1,806,590 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States.

My husband Neal is one of those cases.

Diagnosed in January 2020 with a brain tumor, also called glioblastoma, he was considered terminal, with just months to live.

When he was first diagnosed it was a shock to say the least.

He was 45 years old at the time and in the prime of his life, 21 years retired Navy with many medals of achievement during his career.

As I walked him into the emergency room, all I knew was that something just wasn’t right.

Just days before he got the worst headache he had ever had.

Those headaches persisted until I insisted we get help.

That first scan showed a massive brain tumor deep in his brain and the doctors unquestionably knew it was cancer and that is was fast moving.

If you are anything like me, you are feeling the pain as you or a loved one is faced with a cancer diagnosis. It is the unimaginable pain that cannot even be described.

No one understands unless they have been there.

Here is the rest of our story.

Through treatments, self care, and the hand of God, as of the time of this writing (January 2024) his most recent scan shows no visible cancer cells.

The doctors are truly amazed as the results are not typical.

The doctors are hopeful that he will continue to live on to year five.

With this particular cancer and its agressive nature, only 5% live to year four and even fewer beyond.

He is the doctor's longest living patient with this type of cancer. 

The first few days and weeks were crucial in his early success.

It was through a proactive approach, and not taking no for an answer that we were able to quickly get him the help he needed.

Here are five tips to navigating a cancer diagnosis for yourself or a loved one.

1. Move with speed. Your life depends on it.

If you've just been diagnosed with cancer, it's crucial to act swiftly. Your health is your foremost priority and every second counts. Start your treatment as soon as possible and don't delay in seeking medical advice. The faster you act, the better your chances of successful treatment will be.

When my husband was first diagnosed with brain cancer, he was told that surgery was not an option because of the location of the tumor and its size. I questioned the doctors over and over, and they reinforced the answer, surgery simply is not possible.

We were released to go home, and within three weeks my husband was no longer able to stand or walk. He could hardly speak. He could hardly reason or think. I felt that desperation and fear.

After calming my mind, I realized that I must do whatever it takes to get him the help he needed. This means putting out a plea on social media for anyone that had a resource to help.

A business colleague connected us with a hospital that was willing to do a surgery. We were also connected with other patients who had success with this surgeon, one of which had their tumor completely removed and were on the road to recovery.

We moved with urgency, and the hospital saw the gravity of his condition and were willing to help. Within two weeks he went in for surgery. The surgeon used augmented and virtual reality to collapse the tumor on top of itself, leaving just a layer of cancer cells that remained.

It took my husband eight weeks to be able to walk again, talk again, and think again.

That surgery saved his life.

It happened because I was willing to be bold and brave, to take the steps to save his life.

You have the same ability built within you. Whether you are the one advocating for yourself, or you have someone else to advocate for you, it is essential that you commit fully to moving with speed.

Your life depends on it.

2. Question everything. A second opinion may save your life.

Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. However, remember that it's important to question everything. Don't hesitate to ask your doctors about your treatment options, potential side effects, and the expected outcomes. If you're unsure or not comfortable with the suggested treatment plan, seeking a second opinion can be lifesaving.

We received multiple opinions over the first few weeks. Finding a level of comfort with the doctor and their team, both in their skills and bedside manner is essential.

There are also sources of holistic healing and natural remedies. It is your prerogative to search out whatever path is right for you.

3. Ask for help. Call on your friends, neighbors, and network.

A cancer diagnosis can be incredibly isolating, but you don't have to face it alone. Don't hesitate to ask for help. Reach out to your friends, neighbors, and social networks for support. Whether it's emotional support, help with daily chores, or just someone to talk to, remember that it's okay to ask for help. You're not alone on this journey.

I spoke to a business woman recently who had stage four cancer and she told no one. She was afraid that the cancer would soil her reputation. As I shared my story, she felt empowered to begin to open up to others.

Opening up to others is critical in the first few weeks and months. Allow others to support you. Allow people you may not even know to show that they care, whether through meals or opening up of resources.

Never be ashamed of your diagnosis.

4. Tap into your faith. Faith will give you strength.

Faith in a higher power and God can be a powerful tool in your fight against cancer. Lean on your faith during this challenging time. It can provide you with the strength and resilience you need to face this journey. Faith can also help you find peace and acceptance in the midst of uncertainty.

My faith is in God in heaven through the words of the Bible. He is my guiding light and it is through prayer before Him that we found the wisdom to press forward. It is the still small voice inside that guided us and gave us peace.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

5. Wake up every day in gratitude.

Despite the difficulties that come with a cancer diagnosis, try to find a moment of gratitude each day. It could be gratitude for the love of your family, the support of your friends, a beautiful sunrise, or even a good cup of coffee. This small step can make a big difference in your mental and emotional wellbeing, helping you maintain a positive outlook as you navigate this challenging journey.

To this day both myself and my husband wake up thankful for the day. For me, it is taking the time before I get out of bed to have gratitude for the time we have been given, the blessings of the day, and the strength to press forward.

As you navigate through your journey, find peace, serenity, and gratitude every day.

Cancer is far too prevalent in today’s world, and far too deadly. So many people are taken from this earth early.

By following the five tips above, you exponentially increase the opportunity to find success in the first few days, weeks, and months.

Have the peace in knowing that there are millions just like you who have been where you have been. We are just like you.

I would love to hear from you!

Which of these tips is most impactful to you?

What results have you found in your journey?

Text me at 619-630-9618 or connect with me on social @Hanna Bederson.

Your journey is my journey.

Push through the fear.

Overcome the doubts.

Tap into your faith.

Find strength in sorrow.