Just got diagnosed? Let’s talk!

Did you recently receive your lymphoma diagnosis? What was it like? Steill reacting to it?

If you are lost most people, your first reaction was shock. After all, there is no way to prepare yourself to receive a medical diagnosis, and certainly not a cancer diagnosis. And most likely, the initial shock was followed by a lot of emotions – anger, sadness, fear… and others.

I work with clients facing medical diagnosis, and my experience has taught me that newly-diagnosed patients do get beyond their initial reaction and learn to 'integrate' their condition into their daily lives. In other words, they learn about their condition, get their treatment underway, and create a 'new normal' daily routine that honors who they are as individuals while also accommodating treatment compliance and lifestyle change.

It's important to acknowledge and accept how you are feeling. They only way they go away is to experience them and let them out. So you doing the right thing. Lymphoma Connect is a great place to start. You have lots of concerned, compassionate, and experienced friends right here!

Emotional support is power!

Over time, you might also want to find someone who is a good, objective listener, and is willing to be a sounding board. One of your healthcare professionals, for example, or in a support group. Family and friends may be dealing with their own emotional reactions to your diagnosis, and may not be ready to talk about it yet. But at the same time, they may be waiting for you to reach out to them. Don't assume you are a burden to the people who care about you. They may be trying to figure out the best way to let you know that they want to listen.

Getting educated can also be good therapy. When you get educated, you are kind of 'staring down the beast,' so that you move forward with all the facts. Gather information at your own pace, don't push yourself when you have had enough that day, and make sure you are getting information from reputable sources and validating it with your healthcare provider. It is my experience that working closely with your healthcare provider, keeping them abreast of how you are feeling and asking questions, will have a positive impact on getting your treatment on track. Knowledge is power!

You are a multidimensional person, with your own unique past, present, and future. You are not a medical diagnosis. Treatment for a new medical condition is a journey, and a new and unexpected one for you. Be patient for yourself as you adjust to the bumpy road.

And please stay connected with people who can partner with you along the way.

Keep us posted, okay?