Cancer Advocacy: Not One Decision, but Every Decision

Advocating for yourself through cancer isn’t a one-time decision. Dr. Archelle Georgiou talks with her sister-in-law, Carol Honig, who faced breast cancer secretly and simply asked her doctor, “What should I do?” Ten years later, after being diagnosed with an aggressive uterine cancer, Carol became a fierce self-advocate. Her story shows that advocating for your health is not a personality trait; it's a skill you can learn.

Carol shares how she got surgery within 14 days, pursued multiple second opinions, and fought to have her own tumor tested to guide chemotherapy. She also explains why she recorded every doctor’s appointment, how she paid for cold capping (scalp cooling) to reduce hair loss during chemo, and why she wishes she’d joined a cancer support group sooner.

Practical, honest advice for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis or supporting someone who is.

Key takeaways from Carol’s story:

• Record your appointments. Use the voice memo app on your phone, and listen to the recordings again later.
• Know your priorities. Decide what matters most to you, and be willing to accept a trade-off.
• Be willing to do the legwork. Don’t assume the system will connect the dots for you. When you need to, call specialists, pick up your own medical records, and send them yourself.
• Be persistent. If you need an earlier appointment, keep calling. Schedules change, and you might get in sooner.
• Ask about cold capping before your first chemo session. Medicare and a growing number of states now cover it.
• Surround yourself with support. Look for a support group early. Ask your cancer center, or search online for groups specific to your diagnosis.

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