Your feelings are normal, particularly your anger and self-pity. Experiencing these emotions is part of being human. But at some point you will probably begin to seek ways of regaining control and living as normal a life as possible.
    The first step in this process is to become well informed. This book is a beginning, providing you with basic information about the many different diseases we call cancer, how they affect our bodies and what the treatment options are. In these pages you'll also learn the valuable art of asking questions of your medical team and discover other types of support, from relaxation techniques to cancer support groups to ways of handling relationships. 
    To fight your disease, you also need goals. You're probably beginning to reexamine your most deeply held values and priorities. A threat to our existence has that effect, and it is an effect not easily forgotten. You can't help but appraise the kind of person you are, what's really important to you, how you want to live the rest of your life and what you want to accomplish.
    As you make the transition from helpless victim to activist, one of the most important realizations is that you have everything to do with how others perceive you and treat you. If you can accept your condition and hold self-pity at bay, they won't feel sorry for you. If you can discuss your disease and medical therapy in a matter-of-fact manner, they'll respond in kind without fear or awkwardness.
    In brief, you are in charge.