Crossing Bridges
Posted 10/20/2012
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We all know the cliche about not crossing bridges until/ unless we come to them. Most of us regularly ignore that advice and frequently speed across many bridges that turn out to be an unnecessary detour. When I was growing up, my best friend's mother reminded us that it never helps to worry because, usually, the bad things that do happen had never occured to us.
In Cancer World, Mrs. Cosby's advice is less apt as we likely are worrying about things that actually might happen. (As an aside, Babette Cosby is the reason I am a social worker. She was, and I adored her.) We worry a lot that a sore back might mean bone mets and a persistent cough might mean cancer in our lungs and a headache could signal brain mets. Almost all of the time, they don't, but, yes, they might so it is not crazy to worry.
Remember the Two Week Rule. Most doctors don't need or want to hear from you unless a symptom has lasted more than two weeks. Most go away on their own. This obviously should not be followed in the case of chest pain or debilitating headaches or something else that really might be an emergency. We always have to have good common sense.
This is an excellent essay from Web MD about these infamous bridges. I am in Ohio to give a talk and am working on my iPad and can't figure out how to cut and paste the first paragraph. I am lucky to attach the link and promise you it is worth reading.
http://blogs.webmd.com/cancer/2012/10/dont-cross-bridges-before-you-come-to-them.html
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