Welcome to OCF!

Dont worry, you have found a great resource to help you get thru everything you are facing. The stage doesnt matter that much. Ive seen Stage I patients not get thru it while other Stage IV will. Ive been both Stage I and Stage IV and luckily Im still here. You will soon see that so many thing you thought were so important actually are not. You will find your priorities change dramatically with a cancer diagnosis.

Please do your very best to get rid of the tobacco right away! It is full of irritants and all kinds of poisons that can cause damage to healthy tissue. You have a choice to make and you must decide whats best for you. If you want to have the best possible chances then you will realize that tobacco is not going to help you in any way, it will only make things worse. I quit smoking when I was driving down to get a consult for a feeding tube, I was horrified at the thought of having a plastic tube sticking out of my stomach. At that moment the light bulb finally went on and I realized I did this to myself by smoking, my cancer was my own fault. When that finally sunk in, I threw the whole pack away and never smoked again. I made the choice to fight to survive and tobacco would never, ever help me in any way so that was the end of my tobacco habit. I have not used tobacco for 6 1/2 years. Im hoping you will make the right decision and throw them away. It helps if you tell yourself that they will only make what you are facing worse. Ok, Im off the anti-tobacco soapbox now.

Take someone with you to all appointments. Too often a patient hears bad news and their ears stop working. A friend or relative will be able to remember things you may not. Also anyone who offers their assistance, tell them when the time comes you will let them know what they can do to help you. Write down their name and contact info for later when you need help. Everyone needs help to get thru this. You will need a caregiver. Dont be proud, accept the help of others. People will surprise you. Some close friends and relatives will disappear while others who arent that close will be by your side.

A CCC is worth the distance to get the best medical care. At the very least give it a consideration and go for a 2nd opinion. There are places that you can stay for free near most CCCs and also free airfare too. You just need to look and dont be afraid to ask for help. If you dont ask, you dont get.

We will help you get thru this so stick with us. We are in your corner and will give you advice and support.

Best wishes!