Playing doctor? The “dangers” of too much information
Can Internet surfing be bad for your health?
First of all, I want to thank all of you who left wonderful comments the past couple of ays. I will draw names this weekend, so you still have time to comment and enter in the contest to win a signed copy of From Incurable to Incredible when it is released. I’m hoping that will happen by late next month, but it will be June for sure.
I was extremely excited to hear from our friend Ralu from Bucharest, Romania!! I have always wondered who was following this blog from there, and now we’ve met a new friend!
The Internet is amazing. It can connect you with someone across the globe and bring information to your fingertips via Google. It can be a blessing…and a curse as I’m coming to find.
Since my last scan result, I have been struggling with the idea that I am doing something wrong with all the supplements I’m taking. Maybe they are interfering with the Arimidex I’ve been prescribed for breast cancer? I was thinking of doing a little experimentation and getting off of a few things and see if it makes a difference when they rescan me next month.
The more I’ve searched and asked around, the more confused I’ve gotten. One friend tells me her naturapath says not to take DIM with Arimidex. Another friend who consults with cancer patients tells me not to take flax. Sloan Kettering has a really good site which allows you to look up supplements and herbs, which raises further questions: http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/11570.cfm.
It is frustrating because there is a lot of conflicting information out there, and none of it seems conclusive to me. I think my control issues are getting in the way. I want to figure this out and get rid of the cancer. I just want a clear-cut answer.
One thing I’ve learned is when I’m banging my head against the wall like this, it’s a sign that I’m trying too hard. I need to be quiet and look within for guidance. I need to step away and let go of the outcome. I need to trust that all is well and will continue to be well.
So I’m going to stop with all the online research for now. It’s good to stay informed, but I’m not a doctor, and I can’t control everything either. Can any of you relate to this? I’d love to hear from you.
Evan says:
Tami, I SOOOO relate to that. I was very concerned at first and was listening to everyone give advice to take this and dont take this and I got to the point where if I did what everyone said I would have had the most crazy diet ever.
Now I just do what feels right and press on. I think the best medicine for me is that I feel healthy and I am so busy with work and life that I just tell everyone that I am to busy for Cancer. I dont have time to worry about it. And to be honest, that is true. My days go by so fast at work because I am so swamped with work, there is no time to worry or to think about what I need to be doing. I dont pretend that I dont have Cancer, but just living like I dont, helps my body work around it like I would do if I had a cold. The other thing that I think is really important for everyone here to know is that Everyone with Cancer has a different way of dealing with it and there isnt one answer that fits all. Everyone needs to find out what works for them and then stick to that. Dont listen to everyone else. What do they know? how much have they been dealing with Cancer? are they YOU? do they know what is best for YOU? Not a chance.. You and the only one that knows what is best for YOU.
Marina says:
Tami, I totally feel the same way. After coming home from the Block center on Thursday I had a list of 17 supplements they recommended for a total of $910 a month. So, now I have to weed through what I actually need to take.. and of course I Google.. and get even more confused and frustrated. All want to do is beat this thing but most importantly feel in control!! So yeah, I know what you mean! and like you I sometimes just have to take deep breaths and walk away believing that what I am already doing is working!!
Sam Elliston says:
Wow- this sounds like a toughie. Is it too simple to go with what Panache Desai says and trust? Trust yourself and your gut and the universe?
And is trying to get a clear cut answer a pattern in your life? It might just be the lack of an answer IS your answer.
I once took a class called Cliff Jumping (It was metaphoric) and a major theme was learning to live in the “I don’t know.” I struggled with it myself and I can see how this could be a challenge in the face of cancer.
Hang in there -