In any health situation, it's essential to remember that it's your body and, ultimately, you get the final say. Doctors and specialists are trained professionals, but no one knows how you feel or what resonates with your body like you do. Trusting your intuition and speaking up for yourself is key to navigating this challenging time. So is bringing supporters, coming prepared to appointments with questions, asking about what is important, taking lots of notes in and outside of appointments,

If you find yourself in a situation where you don't feel heard, don't be afraid to ask for clarification or even a second opinion. Doctors may have extensive medical knowledge, but their advice should align with your personal health goals and values. You deserve to be involved in every decision about your care, so speak up if something doesn’t feel right or if you have concerns. Persistence pays off. Being clear, respectful, but firm in what you need can make all the difference in your journey toward healing.

For those interested in nontraditional or holistic regimens, there are ways to invite these methods into your healing process safely. Herbal remedies, acupuncture, and alternative therapies can be supportive alongside conventional medicine, but safety is critical. Work closely with your medical team to ensure there are no contraindications with prescribed treatments. My own experience with this was immensely positive, as my medical team researched every herbal remedy my acupuncturist recommended. They were thorough and careful. They listened to what was important to me. My bottom line was, there is room and need for both traditional and nontraditional protocols, and my team  honored that. Only one time in the 18 months of active treatment did they tell me not to try something, because it would interfere with the chemo.

In advocating for yourself, mutual respect and gratitude play vital roles. I am deeply thankful for my healthcare team's knowledge and their willingness to accept that they don't know everything. I am grateful they took my concerns and holistic interests seriously. Their openness to alternative methods helped me feel empowered and respected throughout my health journey, and I believe it is a significant part why I am still here more than 17 years later.

Trust your voice, listen to your body, honor your intuition, and take control of your healing. You deserve to be heard.