You have just been told by the doctor those horrible, unbelievable words.
"You have leukaemia." So what do you do now??
First thing is, DO NOT PANIC!! I am 99% sure that if someone
hears those words told to them, they think they will die. Not true.
This is the beginning of a long journey with a few obstacles in the way.
How strong you are depends on how easily you will overcome those obstacles.
First thing to do is remember, life goes on. Don't start writing
out any wills or start leaving 50% of your fortune to your pet canary.
You literally have to hand your life and your trust over to your doctor.
Not some of it, ALL of it. This may be difficult but to tell you
the truth, you have no choice if you want to live. When you get to
the ward, get comfortable. Chances are you will be there for a while.
Don't cry or get frustrated or angry. This generates negative
feelings which create stress which creates free-radicals in the body which
make you sick later on. Getting negative won't make you feel any
better.
As hard as it is, try to smile and think positive. That's the
one thing you have control over. Your emotions. No-one can
take them from you.
Make jokes to the nurses. Make friends with them if you can.
They don't usually befriend patients but turn on some charm and you'll
see what can happen. In a situation like this, you need all the positivity
you can get.
Ignore what you have when friends and family come to visit. If
you can accomplish this, you are on the way to recovery.
Don't expect sympathy from anyone. This will only re-inforce
the negative feelings of what you have. Gifts, not a problem.
But when people start telling you things like, "Why did this have to happen
to you, you poor thing." tell them to be happy that you're alive and on
the way to a healthy life.
Relax as much as you can. Not physically, but mentally.
Shut your eyes and think of what makes you feel happy and relaxed.
Sounds silly, but I did it in my first treatment and not in my second treatment.
The second treatment kept me in hospital longer.
Listen to relaxing music. I had the Dances With Wolves soundtrack
with me and listened to it every night. I was in relaxo maximo.
LAstly, tell your family to stop all that crying. If they cry
behind your back, fine. It's normal. But when they come to
see you, tell them you want them to be happy.
I managed to achieve all of these things and look at me now.
I have stumped my doctors as to how I can stay in remission this long without
a marrow transplant considering the amount of chemo I had.
I hope this helps and I hope anyone with the disease can accomplish at least some of these things that I have mentioned.