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From time to time, someone will contact me, asking if I would be willing to share/write a guest blog. This is one of those times! I highly agree with Roberto's information, especially since many of us know people who have been exposed to asbestos over their lifetime. If you have any questions, please reach out to him - his information is at the end of the blog.
"A cancer diagnosis can change your life in many ways. From the second you leave the doctor’s office you’ll have to navigate decisions regarding your care and personal life, as well as tough conversations with friends and family. Throughout this process you also want to maintain your power and sense of agency in regard to decision-making. Self-advocacy for cancer patients can mean anything from switching doctors if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe to attending support groups to meeting other people going through the same thing you are. Mesothelioma patients can take self-advocacy even further. Those exposed to asbestos may be entitled to financial compensation and can advocate for themselves by pursuing legal options. Here are several ways cancer patients can advocate for themselves. It’s important to advocate for yourself throughout your diagnosis and treatment. - Ask Questions: Some patients may become worried that they don’t have enough information. - Choose Your Doctor Carefully: You want to make sure you trust your care team and feel comfortable discussing your concerns. - Ask for Help From Loved Ones: You can’t navigate a cancer diagnosis and treatment alone. Your loved ones will want to be there for you. - Learn About Your Diagnosis: You can advocate for yourself by taking the time to understand what’s happening to your body. Also take steps to learn about your prognosis so you can make the necessary plans. - Communicate Your Needs and Feelings: Communicate your needs openly, honestly and fairly to avoid conflict while ensuring you feel supported throughout this process. " For more information contact Roberto Sanchez at [email protected]
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 Greetings from the finally “warmer” and NO wind (for the day!) and the great White North!
As you might know, there is very little in my world that is ‘normal.’ In fact, I’m not sure I would recognize ‘normal’ if it gob-smacked me upside my head! Why would I think that the start of 2022 would be any different? With power outages for a couple days (even with a generator and woodstove, ‘tis hard to stay warm when it gets to minus 20F and wind gusts were clocked at 90+ mph. Yep – it looks in places that the hurricane force winds hit with a vengeance around town. Unbelievable. As I huddled under a warm blanket, watching the wind whisk the flying snow in sheets across our acreage, I was glad I had nowhere else to venture but in front of the woodstove. I made an executive decision that with the weather and the ongoing medical adventures I get to travel, THIS was a PERFECT time for a declared “Staycation.” Disclaimer: some of you in my peanut gallery thinking: “since you are home-bound, medically, aren’t you on a permanent “staycation?” Point taken, but you are out of bounds, so sorry – no score! I do get out for regular glow-in-the-dark-by-now appointments (CT/MRI/x-ray) While I enjoyed my ‘staycation’ I spent some of the limited time (but growing daily) light, to sit and ponder. Towards the end of each year I ask God to give me a “theme word or two” for the year to come. Often, the full meanings of the word(s) are not comprehended to their fullest until December. God’s timing, eh? The year Jamie and Baby Girl went Home my word was “LEAN IN” – man…was that ever appropriate. Last year, God gave me seven letters….and when re-arranged they were: silent and listen. Both words extremely appropriate for the daily battles and finishing Don’t Wimp Out! This year, my theme word is COURAGE. I made more than several attempts to ask God for a different word/theme, but to no avail. The word alone conjures up visions where no visions of sugar plums dance in my head. So, here we go! I share the word so that you can cover my keister in prayer as I face each day with COURAGE, counting on you to (lovingly) encourage me when I stray! I have a difficult time pacing between my passion of writing and marketing Don’t Wimp Out! and listening to my body. I know I will need COURAGE as I venture into marketing the book – something I was NOT intending to do, but have multiple affirmations we made the right decision. So here’s to 2022 – with the verse found in Matthew 17:20: Faith CAN (and WILL and DOES) move mountains. Thanks for being a special part of Team Tuk! May it be as blessed for you as you are to me! |
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AuthorCare Tuk is a nationally known speaker, educator, and retreat/workshop leader. She has been a school, hospital, and home health occupational therapist for more than 30 years. She has been named as a Top Business Woman in America and recognized for her work with youth, disability outreach and awareness, and the American Cancer Society. |
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