Top 15 things I've learned on my journey thus far

These are in no particular order.  And this list is probably going to change or expand as I give it more thought.  But for now . . .here she goes:

1. A GI doctor who violently crams his hand up your butt and your yahoo  at the same time - without ANY advance warning -  and exclaims "My God that thing is huge!" is looking for a fight. Seek other medical care immediately.  (And he was talking about the tumor - just clarifying.:))
2. A surgeon who decides to do a biopsy himself at the last minute in his office because the first biopsy hasn't come back from pathology -- and he doesn't give you a thing for the pain -- avoid at all costs.
3. If this same surgeon comes back in the office within 10 minutes of the his assault with a lab result that says, "No cancerous cells,"  be very suspicious.
4. If this surgeon's nurse calls you the next morning with the initial biopsy results and sounds like a junior high cheerleader with a syrupy E Texas drawl asking, "Are you readeeeeee?" Hang up the phone.
5. If  this same nurse tries to talk over your crying saying, "I don't think you understand, it's the GOOD cancer.  It can be treated with chemo and radiation, that's IT!" it's time to take her out. And, of course, I don't mean to the Saddle Bronc for a beer.
6. If an oncologist can't work you in within a few days, go someplace else.  Waiting ten days for an oncologist with nasty shoes to tell you he doesn't know what to make of the biopsy results, after his PA assures you it's in situ (contained) earlier that week when you're trying to get in sooner, is unacceptable.  Find a map, get outta town.
7. Commit to being your own best advocate.  Speak up. If you can't for whatever reason, find someone who can. ALWAYS get a second opinion.
8. If there's blood in your poop DO NOT wait.  Do not blow it off as a hemorrhoid, no matter how convinced you are that it is.  GO TO THE DOCTOR.
9. Friends and family and your connection with a higher power are truly all that matter.  PERIOD.
10. Good people do get fired for having cancer.  And for reporting misappropriation of State and Federal Funds.
11. Let  go.  Lean on your family, your friends and your God.
12. A clean, healthy diet matters. Sugar and processed food ARE THE ENEMY.
13. Compassion is alive and well and literally overwhelming in San Angelo, Texas. And in Gladewater, Texas. And in Fayetteville, AK. And in Longview, Texas. And in Sioux Falls, SD. And in Post, Texas.  And in some town I never can remember the name of in Northern Georgia. And in Austin, Texas. And in Granger, Texas. And in Corpus Christi, Texas. And in Dallas, Texas. And in Pennsylvania. And in Kyle, Texas. And in Marfa, Texas.  And in Klein, Texas. And in Galveston, Texas. And in Washington State. And in a zillion other places I can't think of right now.
14. My husband is my hero.
15. And I am incredibly blessed by God ~ beyond words.