Empowerment
In a quest to get you to think positive thoughts, I am first going to help you realize a certain truth. With this truth, you will be able to fearlessly and courageously walk through the first days and weeks of hearing that you have a life threatening illness. Yes, even throughout your life.

Mental Health
It is a blow to the mind, literally, when a physician informs you that you have cancer. It doesn’t matter what kind, what stage, or any other detail. It seems like time stands still while you try to comprehend such brutal words. If you are not strong in your mind, your whole body will begin reeling from the impact, it doesn’t matter who is there with you. This is happening to you, not them. It is the one thing in life that you will not be able to throw onto someone else, even though you wish you could.

It's Your Choice
The beautiful part of this truth is that you are the one that owns your thoughts. It is a benefit and privilege given you by your creator. I had to learn this the hard way. Right after my diagnosis, I was amazed at how many people who I didn’t know well at all, would come up to me and tell me how I was going to feel or react. One would tell me I was going to be mad at God, another would tell me not to take radiation because it would burn me up. I heard so many horrible stories, that if I had taken to heart what they said, I wouldn’t be here right now. Fear will paralyze you, and the way it comes in first is in your thinking.

Stand Your Ground
Thankfully, both sides of my family have strong, independent women in them. So, when I was pressed upon by others presumptions, I actually became angry that they would be so brazen as to think that they would try to step into my shoes and declare my thoughts for me. I just stood my ground and nicely but firmly told them that I didn’t want to hear what they had to say. They would immediately back off, usually stunned, but I didn’t care. After all, I was in a fight for my very life. It was the first time in my life that I realized that the fight was mine, and mine alone. So I got out my boxing gloves.
Know Your Rights & Question What Doesn't Feel Right
That attitude of tenacity got me through the early days. And not only then, but when I had to make choices regarding my health care, including refusing medical treatment that I knew was going to be harmful to me. Years later I met a woman about my age that agreed to that same protocol without questioning it, and she told me she ended up having to have plastic surgery from the damage it caused her. That confirmed to me that my instincts were spot-on, and even though I felt bad going against a trained physician, I had to look out for myself. I went along with most all that was asked of me. But at the end of the day, it was my life and my choice, and I knew my choices would affect the rest of my life.

The Payoff for Using Gut Instinct
After I met that woman, and heard her story, I was convinced that far too many people don’t question treatment protocol. The decisions you make from sound thinking and wisdom are precious, priceless, and will reward you in the future. Get out your boxing gloves!