Get your own white coat.

Do you know what “white coat syndrome” is?

It’s the phenomenon by which we mentally give more authority to - and are more willing to obey - someone who’s wearing a white coat. Even if they’re not a doctor.

Here’s what I want to say to that: 

Get your own white coat.

Okay, so you may not have a medical degree - but YOU are the expert on you and your own body. 

And the contrarian in you knows how to heal your cancer, one step at a time.

In other words: follow your inner guide. There’s a part of you that’s all-wise and all-knowing. This part of you doesn’t care about social norms, and this is the part of you that knows how to heal. 

Let me share a story from my own cancer journey.

At one point, I had dangerously low blood pressure. My doctor prescribed a drug to raise my blood pressure. I was open to everything he was saying, but my gut told me, Don’t take this medication.

When I got home and did my own research, I found out there were a ton of side effects for the drug - some of them very dangerous. As I read about the side effects, I started sweating. I felt like my body was rejecting even the idea of taking the drug.

I decided to try raising my blood pressure in a more natural way, by consuming more sodium. I did, and it worked out well.

NOW - I am not advising you to pick and choose your own medications or refuse treatment or not listen to your doctor. You are responsible for your own health.

Let me repeat that: you are responsible for your own health.

Just like you shouldn’t stop taking medication because you read my own story, you also shouldn’t blindly follow every single thing your doctor says without asking questions and being your own advocate.

Actively participate in your own care. Listen to your doctors AND do your own research. Be an informed and empowered patient. Factor in your own wisdom and listen to your body; reconcile this with all the information you have and make the most powerful decision you can about the next right step for your care. 

It’s your life and your health - so get your own white coat!

P.S. The Claim Your New Normal Un-challenge starts tomorrow. Register here.