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cancer is

Beatable
Treatable &

SURVIVABLE

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

WELCOME
I was seven years old when the doctors cut me open for the rst time. Little did
I know I would have surgery every year of my life. After 48 operations, 3 years
in and out of hospitals, and 2 years of chemotherapy and radiation, I learned a
thing or 100 about coping with my disease.

There are more than 100 schools in the United States


where they teach you how to be a physician, but not one
where they teach you how to be a patient.
My goal with this support guide is to help EMPOWER you during your journey.
Remember: you are living with cancer, not dying with cancer. The right mindset
is essential for your journey.
This is an interactive support guide so grab a pen, pencil, or better yet, a
highlighter or marker and get ready to mark, circle, underline, and highlight.
Dont forget to write in the margins, ll in the blanks, and make this your personal
journal for overcoming adversity.
So, keep your chin up, never lose your faith, and remember you were born for
greatness.

PICTURE

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

Table of Contents
1. My Medical History
Patient information
Medical Team Information
2. Medical Calendar
Appointment Times
Labs
X-Rays
Other Tests
3. Questions & Answers
Questions for your Doctor
Questions/Answers for your family
What is Cancer: Facts/Figures
What is Chemotherapy
What is Radiation
What is Surgery
4. Resource Center
Best Hospitals
Best Websites
Other cool stu
5. Journal/Quotes
Be Inspired
Time for you / Journal
Lets get started
1. Buy a 3 ring 1 binder
2. Print each page and hole punch
3. Buy 5 tab divider set
4. Create space for yourself to read, ll out, and journal.
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

God heals.
Miracles happen.
Dreams Really Do Come True.
-Manny Diotte

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

MY MEDICAL HISTORY
&
PERSONAL DOCUMENTS

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

PATIENT INFORMATION
Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Date of Birth: ____________________ Social Security Number: ________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________ State: __________ Zip Code: __________________
Home Phone: __________________ Business: _________________ Cell: __________________
In case of Emergency contact: ___________________________________________________
Relationship to you: ___________________________________________________________
Phone number: _______________________________________________________________
Primary Health Care Provider: ___________________________________________________
Phone Number: _______________________________________________________________
Height: _______________Weight: _________________Blood Type: ____________________
Allergies/Reaction: ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
CANCER HISTORY
Diagnosis: ___________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Treatment Plan: ______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

MY CANCER STORY
Snapshot: ___________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

PREVIOUS SURGERY
Procedure: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Hosptial: ____________________________________ Surgeon: ________________________
Procedure: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Hosptial: ____________________________________ Surgeon: ________________________
Procedure: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Hosptial: ____________________________________ Surgeon: ________________________
Procedure: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Hosptial: ____________________________________ Surgeon: ________________________
Procedure: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Hosptial: ____________________________________ Surgeon: ________________________
Procedure: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Hosptial: ____________________________________ Surgeon: ________________________
Procedure: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Hosptial: ____________________________________ Surgeon: ________________________
Procedure: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Hosptial: ____________________________________ Surgeon: ________________________
Procedure: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Hosptial: ____________________________________ Surgeon: ________________________
Procedure: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Hosptial: ____________________________________ Surgeon: ________________________
Procedure: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Hosptial: ____________________________________ Surgeon: ________________________
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

MEDICATIONS
Name: __________________________________________ Strength (mg): ________________
Schedule (How often taken/Dosage amount): ______________________________________
Purpose of Medication: ______________________________________________________
Prescribing Doctor: __________________________________________________________
Side Eects if any: _____________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________ Strength (mg): ________________


Schedule (How often taken/Dosage amount): ______________________________________
Purpose of Medication: ______________________________________________________
Prescribing Doctor: __________________________________________________________
Side Eects if any: _____________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________ Strength (mg): ________________


Schedule (How often taken/Dosage amount): ______________________________________
Purpose of Medication: ______________________________________________________
Prescribing Doctor: __________________________________________________________
Side Eects if any: _____________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________ Strength (mg): ________________


Schedule (How often taken/Dosage amount): ______________________________________
Purpose of Medication: ______________________________________________________
Prescribing Doctor: __________________________________________________________
Side Eects if any: _____________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

MEDICATIONS
Name: __________________________________________ Strength (mg): ________________
Schedule (How often taken/Dosage amount): ______________________________________
Purpose of Medication: ______________________________________________________
Prescribing Doctor: __________________________________________________________
Side Eects if any: _____________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________ Strength (mg): ________________


Schedule (How often taken/Dosage amount): ______________________________________
Purpose of Medication: ______________________________________________________
Prescribing Doctor: __________________________________________________________
Side Eects if any: _____________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________ Strength (mg): ________________


Schedule (How often taken/Dosage amount): ______________________________________
Purpose of Medication: ______________________________________________________
Prescribing Doctor: __________________________________________________________
Side Eects if any: _____________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________ Strength (mg): ________________


Schedule (How often taken/Dosage amount): ______________________________________
Purpose of Medication: ______________________________________________________
Prescribing Doctor: __________________________________________________________
Side Eects if any: _____________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

MEDICATIONS
Name: __________________________________________ Strength (mg): ________________
Schedule (How often taken/Dosage amount): ______________________________________
Purpose of Medication: ______________________________________________________
Prescribing Doctor: __________________________________________________________
Side Eects if any: _____________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________ Strength (mg): ________________


Schedule (How often taken/Dosage amount): ______________________________________
Purpose of Medication: ______________________________________________________
Prescribing Doctor: __________________________________________________________
Side Eects if any: _____________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________ Strength (mg): ________________


Schedule (How often taken/Dosage amount): ______________________________________
Purpose of Medication: ______________________________________________________
Prescribing Doctor: __________________________________________________________
Side Eects if any: _____________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________ Strength (mg): ________________


Schedule (How often taken/Dosage amount): ______________________________________
Purpose of Medication: ______________________________________________________
Prescribing Doctor: __________________________________________________________
Side Eects if any: _____________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

10

NoN-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
Name: __________________________________________ Strength (mg): ________________
Schedule (How often taken/Dosage amount): ______________________________________
Purpose of Medication: ______________________________________________________
Prescribing Doctor: __________________________________________________________
Side Eects if any: _____________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________ Strength (mg): ________________


Schedule (How often taken/Dosage amount): ______________________________________
Purpose of Medication: ______________________________________________________
Prescribing Doctor: __________________________________________________________
Side Eects if any: _____________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________ Strength (mg): ________________


Schedule (How often taken/Dosage amount): ______________________________________
Purpose of Medication: ______________________________________________________
Prescribing Doctor: __________________________________________________________
Side Eects if any: _____________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________ Strength (mg): ________________


Schedule (How often taken/Dosage amount): ______________________________________
Purpose of Medication: ______________________________________________________
Prescribing Doctor: __________________________________________________________
Side Eects if any: _____________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

11

MY INSURANCE INFORMATION
Primary Health Insurance Company: ________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________ State: __________ Zip Code: __________________
Phone Number: _______________________________________________________________
Group Number: _______________________________________________________________
Policy Number: _______________________________________________________________
Name of Primary Holder: ________________________________________________________
Relationship to you: ____________________________________________________________
Supplemental Health Insurance Company: __________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________ State: __________ Zip Code: __________________
Phone Number: _______________________________________________________________
Group Number: _______________________________________________________________
Policy Number: _______________________________________________________________
Name of Primary Holder: ________________________________________________________
Relationship to you: ____________________________________________________________
Long Term Health Care Insurance Company: _________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________ State: __________ Zip Code: __________________
Phone Number: _______________________________________________________________
Group Number: _______________________________________________________________
Policy Number: _______________________________________________________________
Name of Primary Holder: ________________________________________________________
Relationship to you: ____________________________________________________________
Medicaid/Medicare/Other: _______________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________ State: __________ Zip Code: __________________
Phone Number: _______________________________________________________________
Group Number: _______________________________________________________________
Policy Number: _______________________________________________________________
Name of Primary Holder: ________________________________________________________
Relationship to you: ____________________________________________________________
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

12

LEGAL ITEMS
Cancer already plays a major role in your stress level and when you add the dynamics of family,
it can get dicult. Despite the fact that everyone may mean well, or think they are doing
things in your best interest, its best to have a few items well documented in advance. These
items include a list of your wishes, a will, medical directives, power of attorney, estate planning
documents, and any other pertinent documents.
Remember that advanced planning can help you lessen the burden on your family and avoid
further pain and confusion should something unexpected happen.
Special Note: Cancer does not equal death. I, and millions of others, including you reading
this support guide are ghters. This is just a smart step to take because we never know when
God will call us home.
LIVING WILL (please check):

q I have a living will.


q I do not have a living will.
Where is my living will kept?_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE (please check):

q I do have a durable power of attorney for health care.


q I do not have a durable power of attorney for health care.
Where is my durable power of attorney for health care kept?___________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Copyrigh 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

13

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT


Do I want to be buried or cremated?
Does my family understand my wishes?
Does my family understand the person in charge of making my decisions, in the event I cant?
Do I have an order of priority for these persons? If so, what is it?
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Do I wish to be an organ donor?
Have I signed a donor card or my drivers license to indicate my wishes?
Comments/Concerns: __________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

14

HELPFUL NUMBERS
Fathers Name: _________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Mothers Name: ________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Sibling Name: _________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Sibling Name: _________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Sibling Name: _________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Sibling Name: _________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Sibling Name: _________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Sibling Name: _________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Spouse Name: _________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Child Name: _______________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Child Name: _______________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

15

HELPFUL NUMBERS
Child Name: _______________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Child Name: _______________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Aunts Name: _________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Uncles Name: _________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Grandmothers Name: ___________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Grandfathers Name: ___________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Financial Institution: ____________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Investment Institutions Name: ____________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Life Insurance Policy: ____________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Family Attorneys Name: _________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Estate Planning Attorneys Name: __________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

16

HELPFUL NUMBERS
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

17

Quote

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

18

MY MEDICAL TEAM
&
CALENDAR
Picking the right team is one of the single most important decisions you can
make. Take your time, interview several doctors. Dont rush this process if
possible. Search the internet. What are others saying about them? What is their
philosophy and approach are they aggressive or not? Do they believe in
experimental treatment or not? Do they specialize in your disease? Do their
values and beliefs match mine? Another thing to consider is distance from your
home. Will they live in the same state or will you have to travel to treatment?
Where is the treatment facility located? Does my insurance cover all the above?
Dont be overwhelmed. There are thousands of healthcare professionals who
have dedicated their lives to helping and serving humanity. Just remember
that you are in control and the better informed you are, the better decisions you
will make.

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

19

MY MEDICAL TEAM
Primary Health Care Physician Name: ______________________________________________
Hospital(s) they serve: ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Address: _________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Number: _________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________________________
Oce Manager/Sta Person in charge of my cause: ___________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Best number for them: __________________________________________________________
Other Members of his oce I met: ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY NUMBER: __________________________________________________________
Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

20

MY MEDICAL TEAM
My Oncologists Name: __________________________________________________________
Hospital(s) they serve: ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Address: _________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Number: ________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________________________
Oce Manager/Sta Person in charge of my cause: ___________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Best number for them: __________________________________________________________
Other Members of his oce I met: ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY NUMBER: __________________________________________________________
Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

21

MY MEDICAL TEAM
My Radiologists Name: __________________________________________________________
Hospital(s) they serve: ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Address: _________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Number: ________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________________________
Oce Manager/Sta Person in charge of my cause: ___________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Best number for them: __________________________________________________________
Other Members of his oce I met: ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY NUMBER: __________________________________________________________
Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

22

MY MEDICAL TEAM
My Chemotherapists Name: ______________________________________________________
Hospital(s) they serve: ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Address: _________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Number: ________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________________________
Oce Manager/Sta Person in charge of my cause: ___________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Best number for them: __________________________________________________________
Other Members of his oce I met: ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY NUMBER: __________________________________________________________
Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

23

MY MEDICAL TEAM
My Surgeons Name: ____________________________________________________________
Hospital(s) they serve: ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Address: _________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Number: ________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________________________
Oce Manager/Sta Person in charge of my cause: ___________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Best number for them: __________________________________________________________
Other Members of his oce I met: ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY NUMBER: __________________________________________________________
Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

24

MY MEDICAL TEAM
My Anesthesiologists Name: _____________________________________________________
Hospital(s) they serve: ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Address: _________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Number: ________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________________________
Oce Manager/Sta Person in charge of my cause: ___________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Best number for them: __________________________________________________________
Other Members of his oce I met: ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY NUMBER: __________________________________________________________
Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

25

MY MEDICAL TEAM
Other Doctor(s) involved Name: ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Hospital(s) they serve: ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Address: _________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Number: ________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________________________
Oce Manager/Sta Person in charge of my cause: ___________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Best number for them: __________________________________________________________
Other Members of his oce I met: ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY NUMBER: __________________________________________________________
Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

26

MY MEDICAL TEAM
Other Doctor(s) involved Name: ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Hospital(s) they serve: ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Address: _________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Number: ________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________________________
Oce Manager/Sta Person in charge of my cause: ___________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Best number for them: __________________________________________________________
Other Members of his oce I met: ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY NUMBER: __________________________________________________________
Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

27

MY MEDICAL TEAM
Other Doctor(s) involved Name: ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Hospital(s) they serve: ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Address: _________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Number: ________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________________________
Oce Manager/Sta Person in charge of my cause: ___________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Best number for them: __________________________________________________________
Other Members of his oce I met: ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY NUMBER: __________________________________________________________
Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

28

MY MEDICAL TEAM
Other Doctor(s) involved Name: ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Hospital(s) they serve: ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Address: _________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Oce Number: ________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________________________
Oce Manager/Sta Person in charge of my cause: ___________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Best number for them: __________________________________________________________
Other Members of his oce I met: ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY NUMBER: __________________________________________________________
Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

29

Other important members of my care such as nurses, pathologists, therapists, social


workers, physician assistants, case managers, etc.
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

30

Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________


Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Name/ Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

31

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

January _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

32

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

February _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

33

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

March _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

34

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

April _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

35

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

May _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

36

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

June _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

37

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

July _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

38

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

August _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

39

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

September _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

40

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

October _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

41

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

November _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

42

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

December _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

43

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

January _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

44

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

February _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

45

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

March _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

46

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

April _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

47

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

May _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

48

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

June _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

49

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

July _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

50

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

August _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

51

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

September _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

52

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

October _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

53

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

November _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

54

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

December _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

55

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

January _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

56

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

February _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

57

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

March _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

58

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

April _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

59

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

May _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

60

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

June _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

61

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

July _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

62

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

August _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

63

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

September _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

64

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

October _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

65

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

November _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

66

MY MEDICAL TEAM APPOINTMENTS:

December _____
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

67

Ultimately, you want to make sure everything you need is in one place, at your
ngertips, and ready to give to the healthcare professionals who request it for
your care.
I also suggest you keep a box with all your X-rays, blood tests, and any other test you
may need to take.
This way, everyone will know what is going on and it will help you avoid unnecessary
tests and further wear and tear on your body.
Its very important you have a duplicate set of everything, in the event your records are
lost for any reason.

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

68

Im not a dicult patient, but


I am a patient who is in on every
decision made about my body.
-Manny Diotte

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

69

QUESTIONS
&
ANSWERS
Ask questions, lots and lots of questions. Nobody regrets getting more
information than they may need. However, you will regret not asking enough
questions. The ip side of this is your ability to make a decision. Remember
information overload can result in not making decisions at all. You will not be
perfect in this process. The goal is not to be perfect, but to make good decisions
based on the information youve gathered. Remember you can change your mind
and you will. Just seek wise counsel in the process. Have some faith in the
process and pray.
I am going to list a lot of questions in this area to get you started with your
doctor. I also suggest you get on the internet and do your homework. I will give
you some websites to get you started in the resource section of this guide and
you will nd some more on your own. Remember you are never alone in this
process. There are thousands of people who will help you. If you are sad, mad,
depressed, or angry, this is normal. There are thousands of professionals who
will be happy to help you process through these issues.
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

70

Keep your chin up, never lose


your faith, and remember you
were born for greatness.
-Manny Diotte

DO NOT FALL IN THE COMPARISON TRAP.


YOUR WILL TO LIVE MAY BE DIFFERENT THAT SOMEONE ELSES
AS WELL AS 1000 OTHER VARIABLES, SO DONT LOOK AROUND YOU
AND MAKE COMPARISONS. THIS IS DANGEROUS.
SEPARATE YOURSELF FROM NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND NEGATIVE PEOPLE.
YOU WILL NEED YOUR ENERGY FOR YOUR BATTLE.

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

71

WHAT IS CANCER?
______________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT CAUSES CANCER?
____________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT STAGE AM I IN?
_____________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT DOES EACH STAGE MEAN?
____________________________________________________________________________
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Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

72

IS THIS TREATABLE?
______________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT ARE MY BEST TREATMENT OPTIONS?
____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
HOW DO YOU NORMALLY TREAT PEOPLE WITH THIS DISEASE?
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
ARE YOU CONSERVATIVE IN YOUR APPROACH, AGGRESSIVE, OR IN THE MIDDLE?
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

73

I AM GOING TO SEEK A SECOND AND POSSIBILITY THIRD OPINION, WHO DO YOU


RECOMMEND I SEE?
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD I EXPECT?
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
IF IT WAS YOUR KID, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT DOES EACH STAGE MEAN?
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

74

HOW DO I EXPLAIN THIS TO MY FAMILY?


______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM TREATMENT?
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT IS CHEMOTHERAPY?
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT ARE THE SHORT TERM/LONG TERM EFFECTS?
____________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

75

WHAT IS RADIATION?
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
HOW DOES SURGERY AFFECT MY BODY?
____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT SURGEON WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT IS MY PROGNOSIS?
____________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

76

CAN MY CANCER SPREAD?


______________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO BE TESTED?
____________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT KIND OF MEDICINE WILL I BE TAKING?
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT KIND OF SIDE EFFECTS WILL EACH PRESCRIPTION CAUSE?
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

77

ARE THERE CLINICAL TRIALS FOR THIS?


______________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
SHOULD I CONSIDER A TRIAL AS AN OPTION?
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WILL I HAVE ANY FOOD RESTRICTIONS?
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WILL I HAVE ANY PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS?
____________________________________________________________________________
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Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

78

HOW DO YOU READ A BLOOD COUNT?


______________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
HOW DO I READ MY LABS, AND OTHER TESTS TO KNOW WHAT LEVELS ARE NORMAL?
____________________________________________________________________________
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ARE THERE OTHER OPTIONS THAN SURGERY?
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WILL SURGERY REMOVE THE ENTIRE CANCER?
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

79

WHAT KIND OF PAIN SHOULD I EXPECT?


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_____________________________________________________________________________
OTHER THAN MORE DRUGS, ARE THERE NATURAL WAYS TO CONTROL PAIN?
____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
HOW LONG WILL I BE IN THE HOSPITAL?
_____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT IS MY PROGNOSIS?
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

80

AM I HEALING NORMALLY?
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD I CALL YOU ABOUT?
____________________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
HOW DO I EXPLAIN THIS TO MY FAMILY?
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
HOW DO I EXPLAIN THIS TO MY CHILDREN?
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

81

WHAT OTHER QUESTIONS SHOULD I BE ASKING?


______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT ARE THE BEST MEDICATIONS FOR THIS?
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
WHAT ARE SOME MY CANCER GOALS?
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

82

Quote

Copyrigh 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

83

Resource Guide
The following is meant to be helpful information in your cancer journey.
Here are over 100 resources.

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

84

Top 10 Childrens Hospitals


#1
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Cincinnati, OH

#2
Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
Boston, MA

#3
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA

#4
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

#5
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, TN

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

85

#6
Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle, WA

#7
Texas Children's Hospital
Houston, TX

#8
Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, IL

#9
Children's Hospital Colorado
Aurora, CO

#10
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
New York, NY

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

86

Top 20 Cancer Hospitals


University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
www.mdanderson.org
1515 Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77030 / (877) 632-6789
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
www.mskcc.org
1275 York Ave. New York, NY 10065 / (212) 639-2000
Mayo Clinic
www.mayoclinic.com
200 1st St SW # W4, Rochester, MN 55905 / (507) 255512
Johns Hopkins Hospital
www.hopkinsmedicine.org
1800 Orleans St. Baltimore, MD 21287 / (410) 955-5000
Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center
www.dfbwcc.org
Main Campus 877-332-4294 / South Shore 781-624-5000
MILFORD 877-332-4294
Boston, MA
Massachusetts General Hospital
www.massgeneral.org
55 Fruit St. Boston, MA 02114 / (617) 726-2000
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

87

UCSF Medical Center


www.ucsfhealth.org
505 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94131 / (415) 476-9000
University of Washington Medical Center
www.uwmedicine.org
1959 NE Pacic St. Seattle, WA 98195 / (206) 598-3300
Cleveland Clinic
my.clevelandclinic.org
2022 E 105th St, Cleveland, OH 44106 / (216) 444-2020
Stanford Hospital and Clinics
stanfordhospital.org
300 Pasteur Dr. Stanford, CA 94304 / (650) 723-4000
UCLA Medical Center
www.uclahealth.org
757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095 / (310) 825-9111
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
www.wakehealth.edu
Medical Center Blvd. Winston-Salem, NC 27157 / (336) 716-2011
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
www.pennmedicine.org/hospital-university-pennsylvania
3400 Spruce St. Philadelphia, PA 19104 / (215) 662-4000

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

88

Northwestern Memorial Hospital


www.nmh.org
201 E Huron St #12-105, Chicago, Illinois 60611 / (312) 926-3627
City of Hope
www.cityofhope.org
1500 E Duarte Rd. Duarte, CA 91010 / (626) 256-4673
Seidman Cancer Center at UH Case Medical
www.uhhospitals.org/seidman
11100 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44106 / (216) 286-3150
Thomas Jeerson University Hospital
www.jeersonhospital.org
111 S 11th St. Philadelphia, PA 19107 / (215) 955-6000
Duke University Medical Center
www.dukehealth.org
2301 Erwin Rd. Durham, NC 27705 / (919) 684-8111
Mott Cancer Center
www.mott.org
12902 USF Magnolia Dr. Tampa, Florida 33612 / (888) 663-3488
Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital
cancer.osu.edu
300 W 10th Ave. Columbus, OH 43210 / (800) 293-5066

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

89

Top Cool Sites


The Ferrari Kid.org
I couldnt help myself. GIVE and bless a kid!
We make kids coping with cancer a celebrity for the day.
http://health.usnews.com/
Love this site! Start Here!
www.blochcancer.org
Amazing Site, from an amazing Family.
www.intelihealth.com
Awesome resource
www.cancer.org
The American Cancer Society website
www.cancercare.org
Counseling. Support Groups. Resources. Financial Assistance
National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov
Great Resource
www.cancer.net

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

90

The American Medical Association


www.ama-assn.org
List of Health Care Professionals and more
http://www.langleybanack.com/attorneys/attorney.php?attorneyId=70
Jim Aycock Woodward and White's Best Lawyers in America for Trusts and Estates,
and Thomson Reuter's Texas Super Lawyers in Estate Planning and Probate.

Top Estate Planning Attorney and amazing human being


Wills / Trust / Estates
CNN
www.cnn.com/health
Top Doctors / Blogs / Current Information
CandleLighters Childhood Cancer Foundation
www.candlelighters.org
National Childhood Cancer Foundation
www.nccf.org
Make-A-Wish Foundation of America
www.wish.org
St. Judes Childrens Hosptial
www.stjude.org
National Childrens Leukemia Foundation
www.leukemiafoundation.org
Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

91

CURE Magazine
www.curetoday.com
Cancer Updates / Research / Education
Kids Cancer Network
www.kidscancernetwork.org
Provided Hope for families who have kids with cancer
National Cancer Institute Publications Catalogue
www.nci.nih.gove
Publications
Curesearch
www.curesearch.org
Research / Advocacy / Care
Ronald McDonald House
www.rmhc.org
Keeps Families together during Treatment
Live Strong
www.livestrong.org
Survivor Care
Chemotherapy Care
www.chemocare.com
Information about chemotherapy / Before and After care

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

92

American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology


www.astro.org
Information about Radionation Treatment / Before and After care
National Family Caregivers Association
www.thefamilycaregiver.org
Support / Education / Advocacy
Pregnant with Cancer
www.pregnantwithcancer.org
You are not alone.
I could list 100 more sites, each specic to your needs. The best thing is do
google / bing / yahoo your area of need. If youre pregnant with cancer, have
a child with cancer, a son/daughter of a sick parent, or a woman with no hair,
there are support groups, non prots, and agencies to serve your needs.
Dont give up. Search until you nd the answers you need.
Search Learn Empower yourself.

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

93

Top 50 Cancer blogs


This site is awesome, something for everyone.
http://www.asbestosnews.com/news/top-50-cancer-sites-resources/

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

94

Cancer Books
1.

Happiness is A Pair of Shorts! - Manny Diotte

2.

Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul


Mark Victor Hansen / Jack Caneld / Manny Diotte

3.

Love, Medicine and Miracles Dr. Bernie Siegel

4.

Peace, Love and Healing Dr. Bernie Siegel

5.

Humor and Healing- Dr. Bernie Siegel

6.

How to live Between Oce Visits- Dr. Bernie Siegel

7.

The Healing Power of Humor Allen Klein

8.

The Celebration of Life Norman Cousins

9.

Theres No Place like Hope Vickie Girard

10.

Cancer 50 Essential Things to do Greg Anderson

Anything by Authors:
Max Lucado
Joel Osteen
Dr. Bernie Siegel
Zig Ziglar
Jim Rohn

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

95

Ten Commandments to Fight Cancer


As seen on R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation
1.

Recognize you have a life threatening disease.


Facing the truth is a necessary ingredient to starting on the road to successfully ghting it. The fact
that it is not as bad as you imagined it would be, that you feel too good, or whatever, do not deny
it. That would get in your way. Never look back. Apply all your energies to conquering it.

2.

Make a commitment to do everything in your power to ght.


The most dicult single decision you will have to make is to make the commitment to ght. Once
this is done, everything is simple. If it could possibly help, you do it. If it could possibly hurt, you
dont. It makes no dierence how pleasant, how convenient or how comfortable.

3.

Get a qualied independent second opinion.


Cancer is an extremely complex disease. Often there is only one chance to successfully simply
you doubt or have less faith in your physician. It is your life, and you are entitled to be certain.

4.

Realize that knowledge is your greatest asset.


The more you know about your disease, the better you are able to be a team with your physicians
and help yourself ght the cancer. In old days people were not told they had cancer. Today it is said
that doctors dont beat cancer. Patients beat cancer with the help of their doctors.

5.

Have complete condence in your doctors.


Once you nd a qualied doctor in whom you have faith who believes he can successfully treat you,
trust this doctor and follow his advice to the letter. Do not doubt and do not continue searching.
Use all your energy in ghting cancer and do exactly as this doctor recommends.

6.

Understand and believe in the treatments you receive.


Forget everything you have heard about cancer treatments. You are an individual and a unique person. Your cancer is not like anyone elses. Understand what each part of your treatment is supposed to do and how it works. Help that treatment by visualizing it doing its job.

7.

Seek and accept support.


This is a time in your life to be selsh. Let others who want to help you do it. When you have recovered, you can repay them. Join or create a support group. It has been clinically demonstrated that
cancer patients who join in a support group do better than those who dont.

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

96

8.

Plan for the times you will be depressed.


Everything about cancer is very depressing including the diagnosis, the treatments and
the disease itself. Expect down days and plan things that cheer you up to do at the times
you will be depressed.

9.

Maintain a strong desire to live.


Life can be beautiful. Have a reason for living. Whether it is children to play with, work yet to be
accomplished, trips to be taken or just to read tomorrows newspaper and see what happens, a
strong desire to live will help in the successful outcome of cancer treatments.

10.

Enjoy each day. Live one day at a time.


Do not look back at yesterday or worry about tomorrow. Today is all that counts. Enjoy it and be
grateful you have it. If you are taking unpleasant treatments, remember, you are doing this voluntarily because you want a chance to continue living. Savor the avor of today and each night be
grateful you had the wonderful experience of that day.

Copyright 2013 The Ferrari Kid / Manuel Diotte

97

The Ten Commandments


for Cancer Survival
1. Thou shalt regard the word, "Cancer", as exactly that: a word. Nothing more, nothing less. For its
original meaning has changed mightily over the years, as have such words as Smallpox, TB, and Polio,
all once dreaded ailments, now non-existent as maladies. And thus, too, shall go thy Cancer.
The answer shall come to those who shall be present to hear it. Be present to hear it when it comes.
2. Thou shalt love thy chemotherapy, thy radiation, and thy other treatments even as thyself, for they
are thy friends and champions. Although they may exact a toll for their endeavors, they are oft most
generous in the favors they bestow.
3. Thou shalt participate fully in thy recovery. Thou shalt learn all the details of thy ailment, its diagnosis, its
prognosis, its treatments, conventional and alternative. Thou shalt discuss them openly and candidly with
thy oncologist and shalt question all thou do not comprehend. Then, thou shalt cooperate intelligently,
and knowledgeably with thy doctor.
4. Thou shalt regard thy ailment as a temporary detour in thy life and shalt plan thy future as though this
detour had not occurred. Thou shalt never, at no time, no how, regard thy temporary ailment as
permanent. Thou shalt set long-term goals for thyself. For thou will verily recover and your believing so
will contribute mightily to thy recovery.
5. Thou shalt express thy feelings candidly and openly to thy loved ones for they, too, are stricken. Thou
shalt comfort and reassure them for they, too, needest comforting and reassurance, even as thou doest.
6. Thou shalt be a comfort to thy fellow-cancerites, providing knowledge, encouragement, understanding
and love. You shalt give them hope where there may be none, for only in hope lies their salvation. And
by doing so, thou providest comfort for thyself, as well.
7. Thou shalt never relinquish hope, no matter how thou may feelest at that moment, for thou knowest, in
the deep recesses of thy heart, that thy discouragement is but eeting and that a better day awaits thee,
perhaps tomorrow, perhaps the day after tomorrow - but certainly it shall come.
8. Thou shalt not regard thy ailment as the sum total of thy life but as merely a part of it. Fill your life with
other diversions, be they mundane, daring, altruistic, or merely amusing. To ll your life with your ailment
is to surrender to it.
9. Thou shalt maintain, at all times and in all circumstances, thy sense of humor, for laughter lightens thy
heart and hastens thy recovery. This is not an easy task, sometimes seemingly impossible, but it is a goal
well worth the endeavor.
10. Thou shalt have enduring and unassailable faith, whether thy faith be in a Supreme Being, in Medical
Science, in Thy Future, in Thyself, or in Whatever. Steadfastly sustain thy faith for it shall sustain thee.
- Paul H. Klein

(c) September 1993


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Ten Commandments for the Care of Terminally Ill Patients


JAMES R. WHITTEN, M.D., University of Missouri at Kansas City
I.

Be a straight shooter. For years, I have observed that patients and their families insist that the physician be a
straight shooter. This means to me that the physician should use the truth when it is requested and in the amount
it is requested to assure the optimal sense of well-being under the circumstances. It may not cure or bring
happiness, but being truthful indicates to the patient that the physician can be counted on to accurately describe
and negotiate the dicult times ahead. Listening to the patient or their families will, in large part, indicate when
they need plans for negotiation of dicult times. Remember, ethnicity and culture may make a dierence,
4 so ask patients if they wish to receive the information and make decisions or if they prefer the family to handle
such matters.

II. Be empathetic. The quality of understanding how another person feels and to be in tune with your
patients is extremely important and forms the basis for all contact with the patient and the family.
Temporary or partial identication with your patient will allow you to understand what he or she is feeling. Patients
feel better when you show them that you are aware of their emotional experiences.
III. Ask about consultations. Patients and their families should be asked about the use of additional
subspecialty consultations. This topic should be raised by the attending physician at any time during the terminal
stages, but it is especially important in the nal stages. At this time, the patient and the family are most vulnerable
and dependent on the attending physician and may be reluctant to ask for additional professional help because
they do not wish to oend. Introduce the idea of medical, psychiatric, surgical or other sub-specialty consultation
early. Your willingness to assemble a team of caregivers will not be perceived as an indication of inadequacy, and
you will only gain respect from the patient and the family.
IV. Do not abandon. One of the most distressing situations for the patient or the family is for the primary physician to
sign o of the case, leaving the care to an unfamiliar physician, such as a hospice or a nursing home physician.
Even if the primary care physician is not directly involved with the treatment, he or she should spend time with the
patient and the family. It is especially important to be there during the bad times and be aware of the family's
needs, because this is indeed a family aair.5
V. Maintain a regular routine of hospital calls. Just as it is important not to abandon the patient to a
consultant, it is equally important to maintain regular visits to the patient who is terminally ill. The patient and the
family are acutely aware of the frequency and the duration of visits. Physicians have a tendency to change their
schedule and shorten their visits when patients enter the nal stages of illness. One does not have to be a
psychiatrist to be aware of the impact of this behavior on the patient and the family. This distancing tactic is well
described. 6 Keeping up the frequency and duration of the visits will increase your understanding of the patient,
the family and yourself.

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99

VI. Obtain support from colleagues and family. There are many causes of burnout in those who care for the terminally
ill. 7 Also, it goes without saying that physicians frequently need support or possibly personal involvement with a
mental health professional. However, to avoid the peaks and valleys of emotional response, it is acceptable to seek
support from your colleagues and hospital sta by discussing patients' feeling and situations. Once a discussion is
started, many colleagues and sta may join in the exchange of information and feelings. These discussions often
take place at the nurses' station in the intensive care unit or the coronary care unit. The physicians' lounge and the
surgical dressing room are other areas where discussions can be held. Maybe the best of all situations is to discuss
your feelings about a certain patient with a spouse or a close family member. The practice of medicine is also a
family aair.
VII. Communicate with the patient's family. Family members can be a great source of information, supportive advocates
and decision makers for the patients. But, they can also oppose the wishes of the patient and the treatment team.
Like the patient, they reveal a wide range of responses to the terminal illness of a family member that requires
understanding at critical junctures. 8 Appointing family members with whom to communicate regularly can be
helpful. When talking with the family, remember to use as little medical jargon as possible and expect that, as with
the patient, there will be anger, distrust, fear of the medical surroundings, depression, frustration, guilt and a great
deal of anxiety.9
VIII.Preserve the humanness of the patient. It is essential to maintain the idea that quality of life is an important
issue even for patients in whom a cure is no longer expected. This is true even for patients who are close to death.
10 Human values remain important. 11 Again, the physician's response can be one of distancing to preserve the
powerful healer image. Also, physicians can hide behind the machines, charts, bottles, tubes and mechanical
apparatus that overwhelm the family and dehumanize the patient. While all of these machines are necessary, we
should remind ourselves that a cure is not the objective, and our goal is to help the patient remain a human being
during the process of dying.
IX. Be concerned about where the patient dies. We assume that if the patient is in the hospital or in a hospice that
necessary care will be available. However, some patients and their families will want to spend this time in other
places, such as the home. Then, the availability of urgent care, nancial help for the patient from local charities,
pain control and administration of adequate amounts of medication become real issues. Physicians must be aware
of what support is available in their communities.
X. Preserve hope. I leave this point to last because the preservation of hope should be the last to leave. When
physicians think, No matter what I do, she (the patient) is going to die, they may be unable to help their patients
preserve hope. Most patients, even the most realistic, leave some room for the possibility of a cure. It is this glimpse
of hope that sustains them. Here, as so often, humanity depends on honesty. Do not use false evaluations in the
response to the inevitable question of How long do I have? Usually what the patient wants is someone to listen
to them in an objective manner. Share the hope and do not paint the picture as completely hopeless or emotionally
abandon the patient with words such as always or never. 9 We should be aware of our own feelings such as
guilt, helplessness and inadequacy. We do not need to validate our competency as physicians by the survival of
every patient. When hope is preserved, the patient will show much condence and appreciation.12
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The Ten Commandments


for the Breast Cancer Survivor
1.

Thou shalt give thyself time to think. When youre diagnosed, you may feel like you have to do something
right now. You dont. Take a deep breath. Give the spinning in your head time to slow down before you make
any decisions.

2.

Thou shalt not judge thy neighbors treatment or reconstruction choices or attitude toward their diagnosis. I
honestly have not seen people in the breast cancer community judge each others treatment or reconstruction
choices, either online or oine. The real armchair quarterbacks are the people who have never been through it.
They need to be mindful of whos actually on the playing eld. Attitude gets a little trickier. No one has the right
to tell you how you should feel. Some people would have you think you should be able to overcome your uy
pink cancer by being all shiny and happy, or that you should be grateful for some life lesson. Thats a BIG fail. But
you may be the naturally optimistic type. You may actually be grateful. And we all need to remember thats okay
too. Were all wired dierently. I always say that telling you how you should feel about your diagnosis is kind of
like saying you should be six feet tall or have brown eyes.

3.

Thou shalt honor thy own feelings, whether shiny and happy or tired or angry or scared. And dont be surprised
to feel all these things within the space of 15 minutes, several times a day.

4.

Thou shalt love thyself as thy neighbor. Women are so darn hard on ourselves. Give yourself the same break you
would to a loved one going through a big diagnosis.

5.

Thou shalt not beat thyself up. You dont have breast cancer because you ate the wrong things or didnt
breast-feed your kids or exercise enough or the right way. You have breast cancer, because.

6.

Thou shalt allow others to help you. This is a tough one for many of us. But your family and friends want to be
able to do something for you; let them.

7.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against science. You may or may not decide on a certain course of treatment.
(See Commandment 2.) You may or may not have a good experience. We can learn so much from each others
honest recounting of our experiences, but that doesnt make us medical experts. Celebrities and politicians have
a special responsibility here.

8.

Thou shalt ask thy doctors questions. Do not be afraid to ask, What is the risk if I do A or B? or What does that
word mean? or Could you repeat that? Good doctors welcome your questions and concerns. Not-so-good
ones need to be reminded theres a person attached to the breast.

9.

Thou shalt seize the day. Theres no doubt cancer is the elephant in the room. But sometimes you just have to
pat its big ugly ank and say, Excuse me, elephant, but Im going to the beach, or the movies, or the back yard
with my kids. Ill catch you when I get back. Right now, Im o to have some fun.

10.

Thou shalt remember you are more than your cancer. Cancer is all about cells run amok in your body. It will do
its best to claim your identity as well. You may be a woman with cancer, but you are also a wife, mom, sister,
daughter, employed person and friend. Let the extent to which cancer becomes part of your identity be your
choice, not its choice. -Jackie Fox / Jackie Fox 2011

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