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"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult."
Just like Rebecca, you can respect medical science while honoring your intuition, especially when data shows 88% of patients seeking a second opinion at major centers leave with a refined or changed diagnosis.
You are not a passenger, you are a co-pilot. Research proves that shared decision making leads to higher satisfaction and better communication with your team.
Chemo brain is real, so build an external brain using a physical binder for pathology reports and apps like Medisafe to manage the logistics of your care.
Hey Everyone!
Continuing my new year plan on expanding upon the great stories we told in 2025 I want to revisit my talk with Rebecca Ortiz.
It’s one that I think sits in the hearts of everyone who read it. Rebecca was the woman who, after facing a metastatic recurrence in her spine and pelvis five years after her initial diagnosis, decided to trust her intuition over the standard statistics.
She went full court press on a new protocol she researched herself, and three months later, her PET scan was clear.
When her oncologist dismissed her protocol saying, "There's no data on that," Rebecca just laughed. She didn't need his validation; she had the proof living inside her own bones.
I’m bringing this up again because Rebecca’s story isn’t a miracle. No, it’s a masterclass in advocacy. It’s the ultimate example of what we believe here at Cancer Crew. Rebecca didn’t passively accept her prognosis.
She respected the medical system, she underwent the surgeries and radiation, but she also recognized that she was the expert on her own body. She combined fearlessness with faith.
But I know that for many of us, getting to that level of confidence feels overwhelming. It feels scary to question a doctor or to bring up a treatment they haven't heard of.
So, I wanted to write a follow-up guide today. If Rebecca is the inspiration, this guide is the how-to. Here is exactly how you can step into a leadership role for your own life, backed by the data that proves why it matters.
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Your Tactical Guide to Advocacy
The Second Opinion is Your Secret Weapon
I talk to so many of you who are terrified of offending your oncologist by asking for a second opinion. Friends, please hear me: your loyalty belongs to your life, not your doctor’s feelings.
And the data backs you up. A study by the Mayo Clinic found that when patients sought a second opinion, as many as 88% of them went home with a new or refined diagnosis.
That means only 12% of first opinions were completely confirmed without changes. A second set of eyes can literally change your treatment plan and your outcome.
Demand Shared Decision Making
We are moving away from the old days where the doctor orders and the patient obeys. We want shared decision making. This is where the doctor brings the clinical expertise, and you bring the expertise on your values and goals.
Research shows that patients who actually participate in these decisions report significantly higher satisfaction with their care and rate their physician's communication skills much higher.
You aren't being difficult by asking "Why?" or "What are the other options?", you are actually improving the quality of your care.
Organize Your External Brain
Chemo brain is real, and the stress of diagnosis makes it hard to retain info. You need systems.
The Physical Binder: I cannot stress this enough. Keep a physical binder with your pathology reports, scan results, and a list of questions.
The Digital Toolkit: Apps change all the time, so we need to use what currently works.
For Meds: Medisafe is a great option for keeping track of your medications. Pharmacists and physicians like it because it handles complex cancer meds, like those you have to take 4 times a day or on an empty stomach, and it even has a Medfriend feature to alert a loved one if you miss a dose.
For Symptoms: Check out Wave Health. Wave Health is amazing because it tracks things like sleep and water intake alongside your symptoms to help you find patterns.
Financial Toxicity is a Side Effect
We have to talk about money. In the medical world, they call it financial toxicity, and it is a major stressor that can actually impact your survival. Do not be afraid to ask for a financial navigator at your hospital.
Studies show that patients who discuss costs are often able to lower their out-of-pocket expenses, sometimes by getting switched to equally effective but cheaper drugs or finding assistance programs.
Smart Integration
As hybrid healers, we love our natural remedies, but we have to be smart. Natural doesn't always mean safe when you are on chemo.
Ginger: We know ginger is incredible for chemotherapy-induced nausea, studies showed significant reductions in nausea with ginger supplements. However, ginger thins the blood. You must stop taking it 2 weeks before any surgery to avoid bleeding risks.
Turmeric: It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory, but research suggests high-dose curcumin supplements might stop certain chemo drugs from working effectively against breast cancer cells. Always run your supplements by your team!
You have the power to nourish your body, guide your team, and change your outcome. Just like Rebecca did.
With heart,
Carli
Founder of The Cancer Crew
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