Amy Theisen
My true feelings about this diagnosis? I am MAD! Ever seen a bull ticked off? That is how I felt initially and still do at times…I don’t have time for this! What did I do to deserve this at my age? I have lived healthier than a huge percentage of the population so what the heck? Then I calm down and know there is a bigger reason that I was the one to get this diagnosis and I just have to let God reveal that reason ever so slowly knowing that it will be good. Sometimes I think he is too slow though!
Also, if you’ve experienced ANY symptoms that are not normal, please get them checked sooner rather than later and speak up and advocate for the tests. I am grateful I’ve had some individuals ask me exactly what my symptoms were as they are experiencing similar things–GO GET CHECKED! At least you’ll know what is happening and mine could have been caught 3-4 years ago. Did you know that when I called for my colonoscopy they questioned why I needed one even after I relayed my symptoms and stated that my nurse practitioner advised it? It was only after I said my dad had precancerous polyps did they stop questioning and get me scheduled. I would have stayed on that phone until they had granted me an appointment, but I was surprised at how they hemmed and hawed about it initially.
If there is any one thing I’ve learned so far it is this. There would have been many mistakes made in my treatment if I had not spoken up and been strong enough to advocate for me as I asked questions and relayed information from one doctor to another to nurses and technicians. They say they talk to each other and yes, they likely do at some point, but the day-to-day treatments are not discussed and they make mistakes–fortunately I’ve caught them all before they were made. I am the one who is still responsible for my health and body–not them. Please do not put your entire life in their hands–make sure you know what is going on and why. When one chemotherapy clinic can have 180 patients in ONE DAY, they need their patient’s help keeping things straight. Yes, it is their job, but it is your LIFE!