Now you need to know all about the kind of cancer you have. You need some details about its stage and prognosis . You have to find out, to whatever extent is personally meaningful, all that is important to know about the illness. What tests do you need? What treatments are available? Are there alternative treatments? What are the advantages, disadvantages and risks of each? Where should you go for treatment? Is a second opinion important? What questions should you ask your doctor? You need to do whatever you have to do to be satisfied you're getting the best possible treatment.
One of the main purposes of this book is to help you with this discovery stage. Another pathway to discovery is through a connection with a key physician, sometimes your own physician and sometimes a specialist, with whom you can develop a relationship of confidence and trust. This physician will advise and guide you through the journey ahead.
Besides discovering technical information, you also have to discover your own strengths and weaknesses, your spiritual beliefs, how others can be of help and who your friends really are. Do your relationships with others need clarification?
When you have gathered this essential information and gained understanding of your situation, you are able to redefine and take charge of your life. A new phase of dealing with life begins.
