What Steps Did You First Take After You Received Your Cancer Diagnosis?

November 17, 2020
Ryan McDonald
Ryan McDonald

Ryan McDonald, Associate Editorial Director for CURE®, has been with the team since February 2020 and has previously covered medical news across several specialties prior to joining MJH Life Sciences. He is a graduate of Temple University, where he studied journalism and minored in political science and history. He considers himself a craft beer snob and would like to open a brewery in the future. During his spare time, he can be found rooting for all major Philadelphia sports teams. Follow Ryan on Twitter @RMcDonald11 or email him at rmcdonald@curetoday.com.

On social media, CURE® recently asked its readers to share what first steps they took after they received their cancer diagnosis and if there were any resources that they found particularly helpful.

Each week on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, CURE® asks its readers to share their thoughts with the #CureConnect discussion question.

This past week, we asked: “What first steps did you take after your cancer diagnosis?”

Here’s what some of our readers shared:

  • “Be extra kind to myself and allow myself to feel every emotion that comes with it. It was key for me to accept the diagnosis and process.” – J.A.
  • “Researched and educated myself, with taking into consideration my doctor’s advice, to seek my treatment at The James at The Ohio State University. At stage 3B, I had to become my own advocate and warrior overnight in order to fight this disease. One has to be more vicious than the cancer within you.” – J.C.
  • “Downloaded the NCCN guidelines for patients and doctors so I knew what protocol was and could advocate for myself.” – D.R.
  • “Drove to Alabama, a 400-mile trip, to tell my son since family risks are involved.” – R.C.
  • “Cried some and then began research, including contact with The National Cancer Institute. They will mail out any information they have regarding your diagnosis.” – J.H.
  • "In the middle of the night, just after diagnosis, I went to MD Anderson Cancer Center’s website and referred myself with an application. Had a team assigned to me the next morning. Felt so good to take action!” – C.P.
  • “I connected with American Cancer Society locally for information and support. (I) Joined a Facebook group for ovarian cancer survivors, educated myself on available treatments, and told my church family so they could support me with their prayers. They provided meals too.” – K.I.

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