Advice for those facing a cancer diagnosis
Our readers share their best advice for those facing cancer.
NOT A SURVIVOR — A THRIVER
Name: Jan Hillman Hometown: NewCarlisle, Ohio
Background on my journey:
■ First diagnosed in 1986 at age 34. I found the lump in a self-breast exam.
■ Second diagnosed in 1997 at age 45.
■ I refuse to be called a survivor. Instead, I refer to myself as a thriver.
■ I was Ms. January in a Pink Warrior calendar in 2012 that raised funds for breast biopsies in Mar- quette, Mich.
Best way to help someone facing a cancer diag- nosis:
■ First and foremost, listen to them
■ Second, don’t share horror stories about your- self or others who have had negative outcomes with their breast cancer journey
■ Provide nonjudg- mental, unconditional support and love
How did I stay strong? ■ Focus on all the positives in my life
■ Make plans for the future
■ Have fun and laugh alot
What helped me through my journey?
■ Accepting love and support from family and friends
■ Eating the right things
■ Getting enough sleep ■ Being an equal opportunity healer by using traditional and integrative medicine
DON’TFORGET THE MEN
Name: William Sykes Hometown: Xenia Background on my journey: A nine-year survivor of male breast cancer.
Advice: “If the goal of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to educate the public about breast cancer, men need to be included in that effort. I can tell you that a man experiences the same feelings of hopelessness when the doctor announces this diagnosis just the same as women. Fortunately, mine was caught early and I was referred to the Magee Breast Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. for treatment. ( I lived near there when I was diagnosed). All men and their families need to know that while men get this disease at a far lower rate than women, the results can be devastating without early diagnosis. Any man who has a first-degree relative that has breast cancer needs to be alert to the signs of breast cancer.
Recommended resources:
https://www.cancer.org/ cancer/breast-cancer-inmen.html
https://www.hisbreastcancer.org/
http://www.mayoclinic. org