When Illness Knocks at the Door

My first five blogs looked at the whole person and how each season offers its own opportunities to welcome healing. But then there are those unwelcome moments when illness knocks at the door. Here is what I tell people who are newly diagnosed.

In the early days following a diagnosis:

· Welcome the hugs of family and friends. Let yourself be loved!

· There is no right way to handle the news. It is not inappropriate to watch TV, burst into tears, scream in your car or want to go for a long walk.

· It is a blessing to have someone close to you, a specially trusted family member, friend or counselor who is willing to listen to you, perhaps hold your hand and be comfortable with your tears, your confusion, fear or anger, if you experience such feelings.

· Trust yourself. Avoid spending time with those who try to make you talk if you don’t want to, or try to get you to stop talking if you need to.

· Once you have dealt with your initial reactions, take your time to gather information and think about your choices but also don’t procrastinate making a decision. Set a “decide-by” date to aim for. Waiting too long may not be in your best interests.

· Ask yourself “What can I do to help myself become well?” instead of worrying about questions such as “Why me?”

· If you have received a serious diagnosis, read the inspiring stories of those who have survived and even thrived following similar news. Take hope that so many, in spite of a bleak prognosis from their doctor, have courageously generated their own hope and worked towards healing.

· Write your thoughts and feelings down in a private journal as your journey unfolds.

· You may never be quite the same again. This is a life-challenging journey. Through it you may discover unexpected strengths within you. Be gentle and kind to yourself.

Never try to go it alone. With others to back you up, you will be in a better position to put your medical team in place and deal with all that follows.
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Born and brought up in Scotland, Puja Thomson is founder and director of Roots & Wings in New Paltz. She's a holistic health care professional, educator, workshop leader and minister of healing. Her recently-published book AFTER SHOCK: FROM CANCER DIAGNOSIS TO HEALING - A step-by-step guide to help you navigate your way has been awarded the honor of FINALIST in the National Indie Excellence 2007 Book Awards( Health Category) . GO to www.aftershockfromcancer.com for info, excerpts, reviews, how to purchase. This book is also helpful in helping anyone create their own wellness program. Listen to an interview by Dr. Nina Sax on WAMC Northeastern Radio at: http://healthshow.org/audio/1002/1002b.smil