Tips from experience by Anil Singh (multiple myeloma)

                                                                                                                        June 11, 2014

    Tips from a multiple melanoma survivors and Fighter  

By Anil Singh 

This note is written from personal experience of cancer. I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2007. Multiple myeloma affects the plasma blood cells and the bone marrow. The diagnosis was made in the end stages of the cancer.

What should one do if diagnosed with cancer? Don’t panic. Get a second opinion from an oncologist. Try to accept your circumstance quickly. Do not focus on the circumstance. Attempt to change the circumstance; remembering, that unless you change, circumstances will not change. It is a well-documented fact that people becomes victims of circumstances because their focus is circumstance.

Next, find a knowledgeable and experienced oncologist to guide you through this long-term illness. A good reputation is a guide but it is not the only thing. The doctor must be perceptive enough to understand your personality and persona and treat you as a person and not just the cancer. By demeanor and personal action, he must show his interest in you by listening to you and giving you time. At the end of every meeting, you must be motivated to carry on with the treatment as prescribed by him and in the manner he recommends.

Treatment of cancer is through chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical intervention. Your doctor knows best which one to use for your type of cancer. Whatever the treatment, actually, the treatment is the most stressful part of the cancer, as it has side-effects.

Quoting from one of the most eminent oncologists in India, “Most side-effects are manageable, thanks to our increased knowledge of how to deal with them. We continue our search and commit to work with you throughout your cancer treatments, to make them safe, effective and create as little interruption to your life as possible. Your input into your treatment and how you are feeling is ESSENTIAL in helping you feel you’re best”.

Of course, finding the right doctor has the element of luck. But your diligence and what you seek from the doctor is important.

Try to take the medicines in the quantity, manner, form and timeliness, as per the doctor’s instructions. Clear any doubt on the dosage, etc before you leave his table.

Eat nutritious food, 4-5 meals instead of three large meals. Make efforts to what constitutes nutritious foods.

Try to get natural, restful sleep free of drugs. This is one of the important criteria for the healing process.

You need emotional support. To feel wanted, respected and loved by those from whom you expect it. Emotional support is one of the key factors to help you overcome your cancer.

Prayers, they work. But it is better to be prayed for than to pray. The treatment will deplete your energy levels. But you must exercise. Try to make it 30-45 minutes everyday. You must attempt to remain mobile, as it will give you confidence and mitigate your feelings of helplessness which naturally engulf you with a long-term disease like cancer.

Act with the conviction that all cancers are treatable. A majority of the cancers are curable provided caught in time.

Stay away from the internet. If you cannot, then remember that the internet is for information and not treatment. Your treatment source is your doctor.