The Meaning of H.O.P.E.: E — Education

The meaning of H.O.P.E
H — Humor
O — Opportunity to Serve
P — Physical Well-Being
Today:
E- Education

When I was diagnosed with a Melanoma In-Situ, I thought in-situ meant, “Buy coffin.” It’s Latin for “In place.” I had a melanoma that was still in the radial phase (growing outward, not downward) and was 100% curable. But I freaked out anyway because I didn’t know that. Imagine how less stress I would have had if I had known what the terminology meant.

Of course, we have the internet. You can find any kind of knowledge that you want on the internet. Some is helpful, some isn’t. So let me say that you have to educate yourself from reliable sources. I relied on my doctor, melanoma.org and several good books on the topic. I ate the topic up like my life depended on it. Come to think of it, it DID depend on it.

My point is this: You have to be able to carry on a good conversation with your healthcare provider. Doctor’s are not Gods. They are brilliant people with more and more piled on their plate every single day. Same goes for mechanics, accountants, plumbers, etc. Whatever problem you have, you have to take charge. And educating yourself is the first step.

It also reduces your stress.

When I got the call for my malignant melanoma (a much more serious diagnosis than a melanoma in-situ), I was able to ask important questions that allowed me to quickly ascertain my situation. I knew my melanoma had been caught fairly early and my odds for 10-year survival were good. I knew the doctor was following the proper procedure and I understood what I was up against. Sure, I was worried. But not as worried as when I thought I was going to die from something 100% curable.

It’s easy to go through life like a water bug skimming over the surface. But it’s also an expensive and stressful way when things go awry. We have too much information at our fingertips now to remain in the dark. When things get bad, get busy learning. Knowledge is truly power. And acting on that knowledge will, as it did in my case, save your skin.

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