Natalie
From: Melbourne, Australia
Member since: May 2007
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I am a: Patient
Coping with...Lymphoma, Hodgkin
Date of Birth: 03/30/83 Date diagnosed: 03/2007 Sex: Female

Prepare to Live Buddy: Yes
Contactable by Prepare to Live members: Yes
Email: nataliec_333@hotmail.com

01: How has cancer positively affected you: I have had an invaluable chance to stop and reflect on life and what I was doing with mine, to reevaluate and make changes which I hope will be lasting. I appreciate my family and friends much more and aim to make the most of every single day.

02: What does "cancer" mean to you as a Young Adult: At first it scared the hell out of me because I saw it as a death sentence but now I just see it as an enemy I am determined to battle and beat.

03: What’s the one thing you’d say to someone who has just been diagnosed: Don't underestimate the power of the mind over the body. The treatments for cancer are made much more effective by simply maintaining a positive attitude and sincerely believing that you will recover and win the battle.

04: What things won’t a Doctor tell you: My doctor didn't tell me much about financial options in the time that I am off work during treatment. I don't think it's really part of their job but this is something it's important to think about because the medical bills can pile up.

05: What advice do you have for a caregiver, doctor, or nurse who is treating a Young Adult with cancer: Understand that it is much more frightening to face your mortality as a young adult than an older person, particularly in the prime of your life when you feel invincible. Young adults also need to be treated differently than children with cancer.

06: To me, cancer is: a huge wakeup call that I needed in my life. It is a mere bump in the road and an opportunity to rethink where I want my life to go.

07: What is the best kind of support to give/receive: Talking is the best therapy I've had during this experience. It's been so important for others to be content to listen to me express how I feel.

08: Who or what were your best resources for information: The internet is the best resource available as long as you keep in mind that not everything you read may be 100% accurate. But it's great for formulating questions to ask your doctors (about treatment options) and for finding a support network of other cancer patients. Knowledge is power, particularly after a cancer diagnosis. I felt like knowing everything I could about my type of cancer gave me a sense of control over my recovery.

09: What has helped you the most: Meeting a fellow Hodgkin's Lymphoma patient online and emailing her regularly. It makes all the difference having a friend to share the experience with in every way.

10: What’s your favorite tip or trick for dealing: Plan lots of regular fun activities in the days/weeks that you feel well, especially things that you didn't have the time for in the past. Having something to look forward to is critical.

11: The thing that keeps you going is: The hope and faith that I will be cured of this illness and the love of my family and friends.

12: What are you doing to Prepare to Live: Planning holidays for when I'm well again!

What additional comments, experiences or ideas would you like to share: n/a