Power of No
Do you find it now easier for you to say no to things you don't want to do when it comes to treating your condition? Or is it still a struggle (Negative or Positive)?
Do tell...
I've been called "non-compliant" in the past and I'm not about to give up that title. It doesn't necessarily mean that I am difficult (or maybe I am just a little). To me it just means that I listen to my body first. Truthfully, how many studies do they really have that include post menopausal women? Often times I am over-dosed (in my opinion) and my body reacts severely. So I report my symptoms and ask for dosage changes and medication changes. If it works? Great! If it doesn't I look for alternatives. Less chemo is best chemo as far as I am concerned. I want to help my body, not drown it in toxic treatments. Eleven years and counting. Doing good so far 😏
Being non-compliant is what your body asks for in a host. I've said this before, it really is a partnership between you and your body, and reading those call-outs when your body has had enough means a lot. Keep at it!
I certainly have learned how to say "no," more but it is usually in the context of (back in the day) going places I don't want to to please others or when I'm not up for it. I'm largely housebound and I'm definitely saying no to some random doctors trying to put their two cents in when they don't have the whole picture. In the midst of a perfect storm at the moment and it is all about self preservation. It's going to have to be me that tries to fix things at this point.
Isn't it so interesting in that every aspect of our lives we have to be the front person in making all rightful decisions...literally? Some of those decisions others will not like, but it doesn't matter because, at the end of the day, we really have to do what is right and makes sense for our situation. Self preservation! Yes! I've been given enough bad advice to fill a boat and then sink it! I find that it's oh so easy to make an assumption rather than a diagnosis. I mean, it takes less time this way, eh? I hope you find the answers, my fellow CML'er. Sometimes it's just up to us. That's ok tho. We rise to the challenge. Sending massive virtual hugs.
We really are not saying "NO" when we decline an offer. Rather we are saying "YES I am deciding to listen to my needs and body - both of which are telling me that my priorities at this time and place are of super importance to me. It is not about pleasing the many others who have no clue as to what is going on inside my mind and body ... Dennis(Blood-Cancer.com TEAM)
Exactly! Who better to understand the process than our body?
Yes I am more n a position to ask questions before beginning
questions are a great way to feel empowered in your care. Here is an article that suggests questions ask, some I hadn't thought of before. https://blood-cancer.com/answers/questions-oncologist We'd love to hear some of your suggestions as well. Do you have specific questions that have helped you? Thanks for sharing!
Angie -team memberQuestions before proceeding is a wonderful step in controlling whatever the element may be. Having that control also says a lot about growth and becoming the advocate you need to be for yourself. Best!
