Tips for Feeling Empowered

When hit with a blood cancer diagnosis, it can feel like any sense of control over our own lives has been zapped in an instant. The future may initially seem uncertain. But once the initial shock subsides, there are ways to step back into our own power.

Retaking the power cancer took

1) Do your research and become an expert on your diagnosis

I admittedly knew nothing about hairy cell leukemia or any other type of blood cancer when I was first diagnosed. And at the time, I was too afraid to Google anything for fear that I would see something that would make me fearful.

But as time went on, I found more sources to consult, and I became better at asking the right questions. This in turn, not only made me feel more confident about the instructions I was given, but also information to decide if it felt appropriate to question whether those instructions were truly the best option for me.

2) Trust your gut.

We have an innate intuition, especially when it comes to our care. If something doesn’t feel right, I’ve learned to speak up. After all, I know myself better than anyone else. Yes, we often have to give full trust to our doctors and health care providers. But let's also not forget that they are working for us. So I never hesitate to question if something feels off.

We are the experts when it comes to our own bodies. And it’s more than okay to make sure we are treated for our individual needs and not just for our general diagnosis.

3) Get to know other people with your diagnosis.

When I was first diagnosed with leukemia, networking with people online was not as common place. And since  hairy cell leukemia is so rare, I didn’t know anyone with the same diagnosis. Not even my doctor or his staff at the time knew anyone else. But today, social media and the internet in general, make it easy interact and share notes with others who share this or any diagnosis.

During my first bout with HCL, I had intense bone pain. No one who cared for me really knew why or could offer suggestions. I felt scared and unseen. Talking to someone else who had gone through it, would have made me feel validated. And as I’ve come to know people over the years with the same type of leukemia and other blood cancers, I feel empowered in being able to validate some of the feelings they are having as well.

4) Get in touch with your emotions.

Sometimes in the thick of things, it doesn’t feel safe or even smart to allow ourselves to feel things like fear and worry. We have get into a zone to get through decision making and possibly treatment. But by recognizing the emotions bubbling up and processing them, some of weight they carry starts to lift.

I used to keep a rolled up towel with rubber bands around it so I could hit the floor with it when frustrations seemed to take over. It was a safe way to work through anger without taking it out on anyone else. This helped me clear some mental space to provide more focus for the important decisions.

5) Know when to surrender.

Disbelief and even full on resistance are common reactions when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. But often times the most empowering thing we can do is go to a place of full acceptance and surrender.

This doesn’t mean that you hand over all choices regarding your care. It simply means that in stepping into full acceptance, you find the power and the courage to make the right choices to get through it in the easiest way. Resistance and https://blood-cancer.com/living/emotional-journey can really zap energy. Acceptance and awareness create an atmosphere for choosing wisely.

Even with a plan, it’s not easy. So the last bit of advice (and also a reminder to myself) is be kind to yourself. You are worthy of full health and happiness.