"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything,
but I can do something, and what I should do and can
do by the grace of God I will do."

[Anonymous]

     Start by educating yourself about this disease. Write out questions and have them answered at the next appointment. Have a drawing of your body for any surgeons to show you exactly where the incision will be. Get the low down on side effects of treatments or surgery. Decide if you can dedicate yourself to those possible side effects. Paint out the worst scenario and deal with it. Picture the best and hold that thought. Be ready for either. Always make your decisions outside the office. Go home or to a place where you can weigh things out for yourself. Do not do something out of fear, for someone else, or because someone else is certainly smarter than you are.

        Research your options, then write a proposal to the doctors letting them know what is acceptable to you. If you decide to go for surgery let them know if you want music playing or the bed by the window. If you need time to think, write them about that. The point here is to let your doctors know that you are an active participant in this ordeal and that you are the "Captain of the Ship." They are your chosen crew, teammates. You are the one who decides who jumps on board or will walk the plank. THIS IS YOUR BODY, THIS IS YOUR LIFE, YOU CALL THE SHOTS—PERIOD!