You Don’t Have to Become Your Own Doctor

There are a few pieces of advice that quietly change the course of your life. Sometimes you recognize them immediately. Sometimes it takes years. For us, one of those moments happened long before cancer entered our lives.

Our friend Cindy worked in healthcare. Over the years she encouraged us to become active participants in our own healthcare. She also said something that’s stayed with us ever since: “You’ll always be your own best advocates.” At the time, we appreciated the advice, but we didn’t fully understand it.

Then one morning, I woke up in severe pain. We couldn’t get in to see my doctor, so …