Cancer misdiagnoses are unfortunately common. Regardless of intention, care practitioners do miss the signs and symptoms which can have tragic results for the patient. If you are finding yourself in this position, there are courses of action to help you navigate the aftermath. It does feel counterintuitive to jump into action while experiencing the shock and anger of a seemingly neglected health need. Yet sometimes, the only thing you can do is find ways to move forward. This post talks about ways to deal with a misdiagnosis and how to channel negative emotions into productive energy.
Talk About It
The moment you get the real diagnosis, you have a choice to make. Either, let people know and share the journey or bottle everything up and isolate from reality. There is no real middle ground. People tend to lean in one direction or another, but there is scientific evidence to support the positive outcomes of sharing your journey with someone who cares. Not only does it validate your experience, but it immediately widens the support network to help you cope with the challenges ahead. Talk about it with someone you trust and let them be your strength for a little while. They might not be able to put themselves entirely in your shoes, but they will be able to lend you their ears and kindness.
Find Legal Representation
Seeking compensation for medical malpractice is a positive step toward mentally recovering from this type of incident. Look for law firms with a cancer misdiagnosis attorney specialist service branch, as these are the best, most efficient people to represent your case to the courts. The outcome, if proven in your favor, will support you with the costs of living while undergoing treatment and inevitably having to miss work, and will act to ensure other people do not have to go through the same thing.
Get a Second Opinion
With a misdiagnosis, the need for a second opinion on your medical file becomes more necessary. Things that were missed the first time around need to be looked over by a fresh set of eyes, and there is nothing wrong with wanting a different doctor to handle your treatment from this point forward. There are bound to be too many negative associations with the professional that misdiagnosed you, so removing them from the agenda is perfectly natural. Cancer in this context has an increased risk factor as it was not caught in the earlier stages, so the care has to be exactly what you need.
Fully Engage with Treatment
When cancer goes unnoticed, it is likely that when it is spotted the treatment needs will be advanced comparatively. Therefore, engaging as fully and as rapidly as you are able to is scary but essential. It might be the last thing you feel like doing, but you have to keep moving. Pin down your healthcare support team and start with whatever path they dictate as soon as possible so that you give yourself the best possible chance of remission and further deterioration.
A cancer diagnosis impacts all aspects of life. When it is missed, there is an inevitable psychological decline that is difficult to pull through. Find solace in those around you and don’t face things alone.
