I got my biopsy results today. I wasn't surprised when the doctor told me that the test came back as positve for cancer. I just had a feeling that it would. There are six stages of emotions when you get cancer results:

• Denial and Shock – "This can’t be true."
• Anger, Rage – "This isn’t fair." "Why wasn’t I protected from this?" "Why me?"
• Stress and Depression – "My life is already busy, I can’t stop to deal with this." "I feel so sad." "Why should I get treatment? I’ll die anyway."
• Grief and Fear – "I’m going to die, but I don’t want to." "I’m going to lose part of my body." [health, attractiveness] "I will never feel safe again."
• Acceptance, Adjustment – "Okay, it’s true. I’ve got breast cancer, but I don’t have to like it or let it define who I am."
• Fight and Hope – "I’m going to fight for my life! I’m getting all the help and support that’s out there for me."

I seemed to have skipped the first four stages. Maybe I went through them before I actually got the results. But right now I am at both the acceptance and fighting stages. I accept that I have it, and I am ready to fight it. What other choice do I have?


Questions or Comments?