Welcome Everyone !

Congratulations !

We know, it is all such a shock !

Where do you begin?

You are going to want to learn everything you can.
The more you know, the more control you will feel.
Right now you probably feel like you have no control.

Look around, is your world shrinking?
Is is easier to see what is important to you?
It all feels so overwhelming
That's OK, it is perfectly normal.

You are thinking how scary chemo is going to be.
You know you will lose your hair, throw up and be tired.
You don't know if you will even react well to the drugs.
You don't know what your future holds.
You are filled with uncertainty.

When you have cancer, you handle many different things.

Many new club members worry about losing their hair.
We recommend that you shave your head.
Show those silly chemo drugs who's really the boss.
We know, your hair is your glory
But think of it as a fresh new start.
Get rid of your old hair and start a new life.

When you shave your head, your head will get very cold.
You will get a chill right up your neck.
We recommend that pick out some hats and scarves.
Be creative, choose styles and colors that bring out your eyes.

You will also need to be wary of germs.

Chemo will make your white blood cell count go down.
That means you could get an infection and that is not good.
We suggest you wear a mask around potential germs.
We know it is not very attractive, but it keeps germs away..

You may not choose to shave your head right away.
Which means that you hair may fall out in clumps.
You will be disgusted, even though you are prepared.

You will be crying a lot.

That is OK, you have something to cry about.
Let it out, don't hold back.
You will cry less and less as you begin to recover.

If you are having radiation, you might feel scared or uncertain.
You don't know how you will react, but it seems better than chemo.
The radiation machine and vault-like room make you nervous.

You wonder what you can do.
We suggest that you accept all help that is offered.
Your new job as a club member is to heal yourself.
You must rest, eat well, and drink a lot of fluids.

You will need to be positive and tough.

We recommend that you take an active role in your recovery.
You can help yourself by making a list of questions for your doctor.
Ask nurses for information about chemo and your cancer.
Become aquainted with your blood counts and learn what is normal.
Insist on being a survivor, imagine your future.

As a club member, healing prayers shall be said in your honor.
Healing imagery will be transported into your head.
Friends and family will suddenly appear to help you in many ways.
You will be allowed to join support groups around the world.
You will be given a new perspective on life.
Time will slow down and you will enjoy each moment.

You wonder about life after treatment.
You must continue without the security of treatment.
You feel nervous about being on your own.
What if your cancer comes back?
Your life is full of unknowns and that makes you uneasy.
You must step back into the world, but life is different now.
You may feel like damaged goods, but you also feel happy to be alive.
These feelings lessen as time goes on.

It is OK to feel different!
You are different! You are a survivor!
You are brave and strong and resilient!
You have a second chance to make the most out of your new life.
Understand that your new outlook on life is your reward!

As a survivor, you are eligible to join the Survivor's Club!

That's when the real fun begins!

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©2001 Diana Kaaha