If I was diagnosed with cancer (again), here’s what I would do.

These are the most valuable lessons I have learned over the past year — things I wish I knew from day one.

I feel so strongly about this that I want to scream it from the rooftops, because something that seems small can cost you your life.

This is not meant to speak poorly about doctors — we need you, and I am incredibly grateful. But one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this:

No one will care about your life more than you and your family.

You have to advocate for yourself.

Tumor Genomic Profiling Can Change Everything

One of the most important things I learned — and something my doctor never reviewed — was my tumor genomic profiling.

This ended up being the key to everything.

I had sent my genetic sequencing to another doctor who was referred to me by a friend, along with a close friend from high school. They were the ones who identified something critical in my sequencing that made me eligible for a life-saving clinical trial in Germany — after my standard-of-care options had already run out.

That one piece of information changed the entire trajectory of my treatment.

The Importance of Circulating Tumor DNA Testing

Another tool that was never brought up to me initially was the Natera circulating tumor DNA blood test.

I only learned about it through another doctor referral, and I had to repeatedly bring it up before it was finally ordered.

Now, it is one of the most important tools in tracking how my treatment is working.

In fact, I’ve had immunotherapy treatments changed based solely on these results.

This is not something to overlook.

Do Not Rely on One Doctor — Search for Trials Yourself

Searching for clinical trials was also something never proactively discussed with me.

My doctor had assumed I wouldn’t qualify due to my diagnosis of leptomeningeal disease.

That assumption was wrong.

A close friend of mine searched clinical trials using my genomic data and found a trial I actually did qualify for — the one I ultimately pursued.

If I hadn’t had that information, I would not have had a backup plan. And when you’re dealing with aggressive disease, time is not on your side.

Build an Integrative Care Team Early

When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t even know where to begin when it came to finding an integrative doctor.

And once I did, there were months-long waitlists — time I didn’t have.

This is something I would do immediately, even before you think you need it.

Honestly, I believe this is important even for healthy individuals.

Always Get Multiple Opinions

Before every major treatment decision, I now speak to multiple doctors.

I currently consult with three different doctors consistently.

And every single time, something changes.

Even when my primary doctor would say “9 out of 10 doctors would agree,” I still found that additional perspectives brought new ideas, different approaches, or critical adjustments.

Never rely on one opinion.

Every doctor has seen different cases, different outcomes, and has access to different resources.

Mindset Is Not Optional

One of the most impactful things I did was read the book Radical Remission.

If you need hope, that is where I would start.

This book completely changed how I view healing and cancer.

Even when doctors give you statistics or expectations, your mindset matters more than you think.

If you give up, or lose hope, your outcome will often follow.

Question Everything — Even Your Scans

This is something I still think about.

I wish I pushed harder earlier.

I held back at times because I didn’t want to be “annoying,” even when something didn’t feel right.

But the truth is — doctors can miss things.

It has happened to me.

You have to keep pushing until you get the answers you need.

Faith — The Foundation Through It All

I listed this last, but it is the first on my list.

There are no words to fully explain how much we have leaned on faith throughout this journey.

We could not have handled the stress, the uncertainty, and the weight of everything without it.

Whatever your faith is — lean into it.

Find a community that strengthens and supports you.

It will carry you in ways nothing else can.

Final Thought

If there is one thing I hope anyone takes away from this, it’s this:

Do not go through this passively.

Ask questions.
Push for answers.
Seek multiple opinions.
Look for every possible option.

And never forget — your life is worth fighting for in every possible way.