TAKEAWAY LESSONS
While not exhaustive, these soundbite takeaways encapsulate many of the hard-earned insights I’ve gathered. They’re not in any order here, but my upcoming book will organize and expand on them, alongside other lessons not shown below. These lessons are not just words on a page but tools to empower you on your journey.
These nine lessons weren’t just theories; they came from my daily struggle with cancer. They’re practical, actionable advice for newly diagnosed patients, long-term survivors, and even those trying to understand everything. This is your cheat sheet if you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, or frustrated by the learning curve.
With five years of treatments, appointments, setbacks, and small wins under my belt, I’ve put in the hard work. Now, I’m here to share my experience and insights so you can concentrate on healing, clarity, and momentum, knowing that you’re in good hands.
Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, part of a support network, or simply someone trying to understand the lived reality of cancer, these lessons help.
Oh yes, one more piece of advice about statistics and your odds of living, dying, and so on: never forget that statistics are just numbers. They don’t determine the cancer patient’s journey or future. What has greater influence is your attitude, advancements in modern medicine, your caregiver, and your faith—a powerful force.
Statistics, a mathematical discipline that collects, analyzes, and summarizes data, should be viewed as a tool for understanding, not a crystal ball that predicts the future. It’s not a definitive guide to your journey.
Statistically, I should have died years ago, yet here I am, a living testament to the unpredictability of life and the power of resilience. Life can surprise us, and this unpredictability should give you hope and inspire you to keep fighting.
SIX SOUNDBITE TAKEAWAYS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
Takeaway #1: Be Prepared for the Journey Ahead
While chemotherapy is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, it can also bring about a cascade of other life-threatening illnesses. Understanding this can help you and your loved ones prepare for the future.
Takeaway #2: Fight to Survive
No matter the odds against you, never give up, never surrender. Advocate to keep cancer research funding.
Takeaway #3: Educate Yourself
Learn about cancer symptoms (ones you or your doctor think are probable, given your medical history) and be alert. This knowledge can be a powerful tool in your fight against cancer.·
Takeaway #4: Never Give up Hope
Treatments available today were inconceivable 30 years ago. CAR-T cell therapy is but one of them. Hope is a powerful force that can lead researchers to unexpected breakthroughs. It can also help you keep your head above water and focused on the positive, instead of drowning in a sea of despair. Keep this in mind as you navigate your journey.
Takeaway #5: Consider the ideal Caregiver
Once you’re informed of your cancer diagnosis, having a caregiver by your side is crucial. Caregivers provide invaluable support by managing complex medical information, communicating with healthcare providers, and making crucial decisions. Their support will greatly improve your journey.
It was incredibly fortunate that my wife stepped in as my caregiver. Because I was heavily medicated, unconscious, or asleep, she proactively engaged in insightful instructional conversations with healthcare professionals. These conversations improved her understanding of my condition, allowing her to explain it to me later when I was conscious.
Caregivers are extremely valuable. Before you hear the dreaded three words, have a conversation with someone you have in mind to be your caregiver, whether it’s your spouse, relative, or friend. Doing so affirms or denies their willingness to take on the role. If they are willing, it will prompt them to consider how they would handle caregiver responsibilities and avoid caregiver burnout.
Takeaway #6: Become a Storyteller
We need storytellers. Your experience as a cancer survivor is valuable to the cancer knowledge base. It can help newly diagnosed patients better understand the road ahead without having to experience frustration or pain associated with the unknown. Sharing stories is not just a powerful way to make a difference, it’s a way to empower others and make them feel important in the fight against cancer.
Book Jeffrey Now for a Free Initial Chat on Zoom
If you would like to talk for about 30 minutes before deciding whether to book me to give a presentation about my cancer journey and topics related to cancer, use the contact form below or email JeffreyKendallSapp@gmail.com and put “Request Free Chat About (whatever your topic is). I’ll email you back so we can coordinate schedules to discuss your needs and my services.
After our initial 30-minute session, if you’d like to continue our conversation, explore additional consultations, or book me for a speaking engagement, we can arrange a plan that works for you.
I look forward to chatting with you!
We Advocate, Educate, Motivate, and Cook!
