When people are first told they have cancer, they feel as though their world has come to an end – believe me, I’ve been there! And while your doctor may pause briefly while you catch your breath, and then continue to tell you more about what type of cancer you have and what the next steps will be in treating it, for most, it’s not an easy speech to follow—let alone comprehend and ask the appropriate questions.

Before you go see another doctor for a second opinion, always be sure to have a copy of your medical records and tests to provide for the new physician, just in case they were not forwarded by your first doctor’s staff. Unfortunately, this omission is a common occurrence and only winds up having you reschedule your appointment to a later date—and the last thing you need is to waste valuable time waiting for another appointment. A 3-ring binder with your medical history is a great thing to carry along with you… just in case. While this may sound like a lot of unnecessary work, I can assure you, it is worth the effort.

Mistakes happen. They can be made in labs. Files can be accidentally switched. MRIs can be misinterpreted. Whatever the reason, facts don’t lie. Medical errors are now listed as the third leading cause of deaths in America after heart disease and cancer. And although it may seem unfathomable, patients may even be purposely misdiagnosed. It is heartbreaking to read about instances in which unsuspecting patients received inappropriate, even unnecessary, chemotherapy and radiation treatments and even unnecessary surgery.

We humans are complex beings. We can treat our body as a machine, but if we ignore the emotional and spiritual components of our lives, we may be missing key elements of healing. It’s important to address the body as a whole.

Misery loves company, but that’s no company to keep while you’re in the middle of the battle of your life. It’s important to surround yourself with positive, like-minded people. It sure made a difference in my life. If you can’t find a friend to confide in, consider finding a support group. Make peace with your past for the sake of your health.

Detoxing is serious business when you’re dealing with cancer. The chronically ill person’s body is like a big city with garbage collectors on strike. You have to open the detox drains and get the poisons out–the sooner the better. If you’re eating a lot of vegetables and fiber and drinking a lot of pure water, you should be able to eliminate after each meal–or at least twice a day. If not, it’s a sign that you may need a little help. If you’re skittish about enemas, consider colonics, also known as colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy. It should be done by a qualified practitioner.

Neglect your teeth and gums, and it’s not only your mouth that will suffer. According to the National Institutes of Health, “There are many studies indicating that cancer patients are manifested with poor oral health.” If you have cancer, now is the time to take note of any dental issues you may have.