***“There is no wealth like knowledge, no poverty like ignorance.” Buddha***

Knowledge is power, but information can be a double-edged sword.

After I was diagnosed with cancer, I was told not to dwell on the statistics.

I was told everyone responds differently, and endlessly researching every symptom and potential outcome will only increase my anxiety.

I believe the same advice applies now too.

When you are dealing with life and death scenarios, information is critical.

Cancer taught me that the right information at the right time can make all the difference.

But can you ever really trust all the information that you read?

Can you ever really be sure you aren’t taking someone else’s opinion as fact?

No, I don’t believe you can.

That’s why you should always trust your gut.

Trusting my gut and constantly pushing for answers is a big reason I believe I am still here.

My cancer journey and numerous health challenges have taught me that we should always respect doctors, nurses, and health professionals, BUT you always have the right to disagree.

Never be afraid to get a second or third opinion.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with questioning a medical professional who offers health advice because it is simply just that—ADVICE.

No two doctors are necessarily going to give the same advice to a patient.

It’s important to always keep an open mind regarding the information and facts as they are presented.

Health can be subjective.

There is not always one answer to every issue.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to health.

What works for one person won’t necessarily work for everyone.

Medicine requires a lot of trials and errors to get it “right.”

To understand how the information applies to your life, you should always run the “facts” through your body’s other brain: your gut.

Your gut is the final test.

You know your body best.

Does something feel off?

Always trust your instincts.

If I didn’t trust my gut and push for a surgical biopsy as soon as I discovered the swollen lymph node in my neck, I don’t know where I’d be today.

If I didn’t thoroughly read my labs, scan results, and seek out independent consults, you might not be reading this right now.

Always be your own health advocate.

Now, more than ever, you have all the information you need at your fingertips to empower your health decisions.

Take the time to understand how your immune system works.

Don’t be afraid to read and research your condition or symptoms in medical journals.

You should always be allowed to ask questions.

Any medical professional who encourages you NOT to ask questions, or who criticizes you and tries to discourage you from researching things for yourself, is not being professional.

You shouldn’t feel rushed to decide about treatment, even when your health problem is severe.

Second opinions are critical:

When the diagnosis is cancer
When surgery is recommended
When the diagnosis or treatment is unclear
When the patient is your child
When you want peace of mind

Always remember, your diagnosis is not always correct.

Many studies show second opinions often result in a completely new diagnosis:

A 2017 study of over 200 patients by Mayo Clinic found that 88% of patients looking for a second opinion, left with a new or refined diagnosis. 21% of the people left with a “distinctly different” diagnosis.
Another controversial study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine in 2016 estimated that more than 250,000 Americans die each year from medical errors—making errors the third leading cause of death behind heart disease and cancer.