Up for the Fight: How to Advocate for Yourself as You Battle Cancer-from a Five-Time Survivor

by Bill C. Potts

Overview

The guide endorsed by MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Mayo Clinic, and used by Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation patients.

Imagine a road map for the entire cancer journey, for both patients and their loved ones. That’s what this book is. Think What to Expect When You’re Expecting, but for navigating the complexities of a cancer diagnosis, its treatment, and beyond.

Up for the Fight empowers you to take control of your cancer journey with advice from five-time cancer survivor Bill C. Potts. Learn to be your own advocate, build the right care team, and prioritize your emotional and mental well-being. Discover practical tips for comfortable treatment days, side effect management, and understanding test results. Gain valuable insights on diet, exercise, and staying active while navigating the impacts of treatment and the disease on your immune system. Special sections offer guidance for supporting loved ones with cancer, facing mortality with peace, and realigning your priorities to truly live your life to the fullest.

This book equips you with the knowledge and tools you need to fight this battle, all from the perspective of a tenacious cancer veteran.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781774581681
Publisher:	Page Two Books, Inc.
Publication date:	09/13/2022
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	296,777
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 5.40(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Bill C. Potts is a motivational speaker, business leader, and community builder who has held executive roles at IRONMAN Group and Clearwater Marine Aquarium. He is co-founder and managing director of marketing agency Remedy 365 and a lecturer at Tulane University. An IRONMAN triathlete and a five-time cancer survivor, Bill is a long-time volunteer at his local homeless shelter and an advisory board member of the Halo House Foundation. He lives in St. Petersburg, Florida. BillCPotts.com

Table of Contents

Foreword Elizabeth Sorensen 1

Introduction 5

1 The Tough News 11

2 The Emotional Aspect 21

3 Communicating the Tough News 29

4 Take Charge! 35

5 The Care Team 43

6 Next Steps of the Journey 57

7 The Business of Cancer 73

8 The Treatment Plan 85

9 The Buddy System 99

10 Ace Your Treatment 107

11 Managing Side Effects 121

12 Expect the Unexpected 135

13 Dying and the Odds 143

14 Advice for Family and Friends 153

15 Look Forward and Keep Going 171

Lagniappe 181

Acknowledgments 187

Index 189

Editorial Reviews

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be a scary and life-altering moment. Due to the ever-increasing complexity of modern medicine, patients are often faced with the challenging task of navigating between multiple doctors, understanding a rapidly changing treatment landscape, and dealing with the physical and emotional burdens that accompany a diagnosis. The right path is not always obvious and taking a wrong turn can sometimes lead to disastrous results. Unfortunately, resources to help guide patients are often scattered, outdated, or, at worst, wrong. Bill C. Potts has created an incredible tool for families, caregivers, and patients to navigate the battle against cancer. By using his years of experience as a guide, Bill provides unique and invaluable insight into what it took to win his own battle. I hope that every new cancer patient has an opportunity to read this incredible book and use it as a resource to beat cancer.” —Dr. Nathan Fowler, Professor of Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Chief Medical Officer, BostonGene; Co-Founder, Halo House Foundation

From the Publisher