You've just been diagnosed.

The first time I was diagnosed, I had never been through anything like cancer. I listened to what my doctors said and got to my appointments on time. I assumed they had a plan and would just tell me what to do. But over time, I discovered that each step of my treatment plan was based on the results of the previous step. Each person responds differently to treatment so each person's treatment may vary.

Throughout my treatment there were choices I had to weigh in on to determine the next step. My wife who was my caretaker, quickly became a partner in nearly every decision I had to make. Together we would review the doctor's reports and make a list of follow-up questions to ask during my next appointment. As I learned to advocate for myself, I decided that if any doctor didn't have time for my questions, they didn't have time to be my doctor. I learned to see my doctor as a part of my team. Yes, the doctor was a key player, but I learned that I got to have say in how my treatment went.

What I'm pointing to is simple. When you have the right approach, you actively participate in a partnership with your doctor as they oversee your care. Each patient must be their own advocate and my job is to support you in getting all of the answers and information you need - every step of the way. Once you know the ropes, you may want to navigate your diagnosis with your own team or you can continue on with my support. But whatever you do, experience has taught me one thing: Never do it alone.