ROJoson PEP Talk: How to Live a Life with a Possible and Actual Cancer

1. HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER
November 25, 2023
1400H - 1500H
Via Zoom
Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have an
essential
understanding on
HOW TO LIVE A LIFE
WITH A POSSIBLE
AND ACTUAL
CANCER
in their health
management.

2. HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER
November 25, 2023
1400H - 1500H
Via Zoom
Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have an
essential
understanding on
HOW TO LIVE A LIFE
WITH A POSSIBLE
AND ACTUAL
CANCER
in their health
management.
Welcome all!
MUTE yourself but always
show your video picture.
Sign in your name, FB
account, or email address in
the Chat Box! Include names
of companions attending.
Use the Chat Box to ask
questions and make
comments while the PEP TALK
is on.
There will be group pictures
at start and end of PEP TALK –
show your face in video.

3. Reminder after the PEP
Talk:
Take the Online Learning
cum Evaluation Test
Exercise (OLETE) for
mastery of learning and
have a perfect score to get
a Certificate.
Link is in Chat Box.

4. Reminder:
50 OLETE Certificates = 1
Voucher for ROJoson
Telemedical Consultation

5. HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER
Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have an
essential
understanding on
HOW TO LIVE A LIFE
WITH A POSSIBLE
AND ACTUAL
CANCER
in their health
management.
ROJOSON’S REQUEST:
FEEDBACK TO THIS
PEP TALK!
Pls. type in your
feedback in the chat
box during the open
forum and before we
adjourn!
Thank you!

6. HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER
Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have an
essential
understanding on
HOW TO LIVE A LIFE
WITH A POSSIBLE
AND ACTUAL
CANCER
in their health
management.
LET’S NOW HAVE A
GROUP PICTURE
TAKING BEFORE WE
START PEP TALK
PROPER IN 2
MINUTES!
Pls. turn on your
video!
Show your face!

7. HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER
Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have an
essential
understanding on
HOW TO LIVE A LIFE
WITH A POSSIBLE
AND ACTUAL
CANCER
in their health
management.
ROJoson PEP Talk
I have a Patient
Empowerment
Program in which I
like to empower the
lay people or
patients to take
control in the
management of
their health.

8. I started the PEP Talk
on May 15, 2021.
There are 3 courses
in the PEP Talk.
I completed the Core
Course on October 9,
2021.

9. From October 23,
2021 onwards, I have
been tackling Health
Disorder and Health
Issue Courses. This
may take 3 years or
longer depending on
our enthusiasm,
discipline and
perseverance.

10. HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER
Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have an
essential
understanding on
HOW TO LIVE A LIFE
WITH A POSSIBLE
AND ACTUAL
CANCER
in their health
management.
My PEP TALK today is
entitled:
HOW TO LIVE A
LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL CANCER

11. Contents
ROJoson’s Thoughts, Perceptions, Opinions and
Recommendations on
HOW TO LIVE A LIFE WITH A POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL CANCER
Disclaimer:
ROJoson PEP Talk
contains ROJoson’s
Thoughts,
Perceptions,
Opinions and
Recommendations
(TPORs) culled from
experiences of other
professionals and
ROJoson.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

12. In our life on earth, any kind of disease, including
cancer, is always a possibility and there is no sure-
shot way of prevention.
This is because all diseases, including cancers, are
often caused by an interplay of a lot and
combination of risk factors that no one can really
identify the exact cause.
With the exact cause difficult to identify, there is
no sure-shot way of prevention.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

13. Focusing on cancer,
any person can develop a cancer anytime and in
any part of the body in spite of effort to prevent
or mitigate the modifiable risk factors such as
environmental and lifestyle factors particularly on
diet and exercise.
One has to accept this reality and live on.
Just hope and pray.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

14. The stance of everybody should be acceptance of
the reality but with continuance of avoidance of
all known modifiable risk factors for all types of
cancer.
Non-avoidance of all known modifiable risk
factors carries a higher chance for developing a
cancer.
Avoidance of all known modifiable risk factors
carries a lower chance for developing a cancer.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

15. After acceptance of the reality that cancer is
always a possibility and avoidance of all known
modifiable risk factors for all types of cancers,
the next thing to do is to learn the alert signs of
cancer so that if a cancer unfortunately develops,
it will be diagnosed early through self-
monitoring, specifically through listening, feeling,
palpating and examining one’s body.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

16. Alert or warning symptoms of cancer consist of
the following:
 Change in bowel or bladder habits
 A sore that does not heal
 Unusual bleeding or discharge
 Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere
 Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
 Obvious change in a wart or mole
 Nagging cough or hoarseness
There are other warning symptoms but the above are the
more common ones.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

17. Knowing the alert symptoms of cancer should be
accompanied by a must-do self-examination of
one’s body which should be done regularly and
continuously, at least once a month:
 Skin and soft tissue self-exam
 Mouth self-exam
 Neck self-exam
 Breast self-exam
 Abdomen self-exam
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

18. Self-examination consists of regularly looking and
palpating at the body parts that can be seen and
touched by oneself for anything that is unusual.
If anything unusual is discovered, it should be
brought to the attention of a cancer specialist as
soon as possible.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

19. Personally, I don’t recommend routine screening
diagnostic tests for cancers.
I prefer a screening approach that consists of the
following:
• Self-examination – monthly
• Cancer specialist’s clinical examination –
yearly
• Selective screening diagnostic tests for
persons with high-risk for a particular cancer
*All the above can promote early detection of
cancers and cost-effective at that.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

20. There are many cancer specialists in the
community. One just has to choose who is a
cancer specialist on the type of possible cancer
that one may have, such choosing a breast cancer
specialist for a possible breast cancer; a head and
neck cancer specialist for a possible head and
neck cancer; an abdomen cancer specialist for a
possible abdomen cancer; etc.
Aside from choosing a cancer specialist on the
type of possible cancer that one may have, one
has to choose who has a track record of being
competent, trusted and compassionate.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

21. If a cancer is diagnosed, one should be treated as
early as possible by the chosen cancer specialist.
Early diagnosis and early treatment is the
recommended complementary set of actions that
should be done by anybody with a cancer
diagnosis as this set contributes to better
treatment outcomes particularly in terms of
lesser complicated treatment and complications
and better survival rates.
Early diagnosis and late treatment is frowned
upon, more so, late diagnosis and late treatment.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

22. During and after treatment of a cancer, the following are
the recommended strategies on how to cope with the
psychological or mental distress associated with a cancer
diagnosis:
 ACCEPTANCE OF THE CANCER
 TRUST IN A COMPETENT AND COMPASSIONATE
PHYSICIAN
 SPIRITUAL TRUST
 SUPPORT FROM LOVED ONES and SIGNIFICANT OTHERS
 CANCER JOURNEY SHARING
 INTENTIONAL LIVING PLAN IN THE LIGHT OF CANCER
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

23. Phases of Cancer Journey (when cancer has
appeared)
ACCEPTANCE OF THE CANCER
After the establishment of the definitive
diagnosis of cancer by a trusted physician,
ACKNOWLEDGE it as soon as possible.
It is better and psychologically (emotionally and
mentally) to FACE HEAD-ON the cancer THAN TRY
TO DENY IT.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

24. Phases of Cancer Journey (when cancer has appeared)
ACCEPTANCE OF THE CANCER
After acceptance, concentrate on planning and deciding with
a trusted and compassionate physician the
• realistic goals of treatment (whether to aim for complete
remission or just palliation);
• most cost-effective (inclusive of affordability) medical
management based on the goals; and
• coping tactics that will be harnessed for any
psychological distresses that have been identified.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

25. Phases of Cancer Journey (when cancer has
appeared)
TRUST IN A COMPETENT AND COMPASSIONATE
PHYSICIAN
Even before cancer strikes, identify already a
trusted physician to seek right away for consult
and medical management.
Identify a COMPETENT and COMPASSIONATE
cancer specialist.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

26. Phases of Cancer Journey (when cancer has appeared)
TRUST IN A COMPETENT AND COMPASSIONATE PHYSICIAN
COMPETENT not only in EXPERTISE in the medical management of
the cancer but one who also PROVIDES psychological and
psychosocial therapy and support simultaneously with the medical
management.
COMPASSIONATE not only in expressing sympathy but one who also
exerts TANGIBLE efforts in providing psychosocial therapy and
support inclusive of easing the FINANCIAL burdens of the cancer
patients and relatives.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

27. Phases of Cancer Journey (when cancer has appeared)
SPIRITUAL TRUST
The concept of the word “spiritual” as will be used here is that it is
not exclusively equated to “religious” or identified to a particular
religion or referring to the presence of a God, a creator or a higher
power.
“Spiritual” will be operationally defined here as one relating to DEEP
feelings, thoughts, and beliefs affecting the HUMAN SPIRIT rather
than to the human bodies, material things and physical surroundings.
It is SOMETHING BEYOND the PHYSICAL WORLD.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

28. Phases of Cancer Journey (when cancer has appeared)
SPIRITUAL TRUST
In the Philippines, oftentimes, “spiritual” is used to refer to something
religious, to a religion or to the presence of a God or creator.
Whatever spirituality a cancer patient has, he / she can seek or rely on it
to use as a coping tactic for the psychological distresses he/she is having.
A CAVEAT is to still factor in the USEFULNESS and LIMITATIONS of
MEDICAL SCIENCE when using spirituality as a coping tactic.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

29. Phases of Cancer Journey (when cancer has appeared)
SUPPORT FROM LOVED ONES and SIGNIFICANT OTHERS
The advice is NOT TO DO IT ALONE.
Seek the support from loved ones and significant others to cope with the
fear, sadness, personal apprehensions and particularly the psychosocial
apprehensions.
They can provide great assistance in coping with the psychological
distresses IN CASE the cancer specialist is not providing or cannot
provide PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

30. Phases of Cancer Journey (when cancer has
appeared)
SUPPORT FROM LOVED ONES and SIGNIFICANT
OTHERS
The advice is NOT TO DO IT ALONE.
A CAVEAT is for the loved ones and significant
others to FULLY SUPPORT whatever sensible
decision is made by the cancer patients on the
management of their cancers.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

31. Phases of Cancer Journey (when cancer has appeared)
CANCER JOURNEY SHARING
Cancer journey sharing is encouraged as it shows ACCEPTANCE.
ACCEPTANCE is the most effective coping tactic for the psychological
distresses of cancer patients.
Cancer journey sharing or sharing cancer stories is a meaningful and
effective way to RAISE AWARENESS (about cancer, its treatment,
prognosis, psychological distresses, etc.) as well as to PROVIDE
psychological and psychosocial support therapy not only TO OTHERS
but ALSO to the SHARER HERSELF OR HIMSELF.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

32. Phases of Cancer Journey (when cancer has appeared)
INTENTIONAL LIVING PLAN IN THE LIGHT OF CANCER
• Living a life with cancer is a journey into the world of cancer.
• The cancer world is full of uncertainties, such as unknown specific
causes; always with the possibility of recurrences after treatment;
and not knowing the mode and time of exit, to name a few.
• The journey or voyage is rough, with unquantifiable physical pains
and psychological distresses.
Everybody with a cancer must formulate an intentional living plan in
the light of a cancer diagnosis.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

33. Phases of Cancer Journey (when cancer has appeared)
INTENTIONAL LIVING PLAN IN THE LIGHT OF CANCER
Although cancer is not always a death sentence, especially those who
consulted early, diagnosed early and treated early and correctly,
RECURRENCE IS ALWAYS A POSSIBILITY.
For those with ADVANCED CANCER disease and RECURRENCE, they will
have LIMITED LIFESPAN left.
Whatever groups of patients, with early or advanced cancers, THEY
MUST CONTINUE TO LIVE ON.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

34. With a well-formulated intentional living plan in the light of cancer, all
cancer patients must continue to do the following with the support of
a compassionate cancer specialist, spiritual adviser, and loved ones
and significant others:
 be productive
 have a peace of mind
 be contented
 enjoy life
 be happy
 reach the realistic longevity targets
 be ready to face curtain calls (death)
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

35. Phases of Cancer Journey (when cancer has appeared)
INTENTIONAL LIVING PLAN IN THE LIGHT OF CANCER
For those who are near the end-of-life because of cancer, the Intentional
Living Plan should include the following:
1. Try one’s best to stay alive and productive up to the last moment.
2. Make peace with God or Creator or Higher Force.
3. Make peace with everybody.
4. Endorse material possessions.
5. Make clutter management of earthly possessions.
6. Make an advance directive, both healthcare and funeral arrangement.
7. Bonding with family.
8. Enjoying oneself to the fullest up to the last moment.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

36. So, the overall advice is to have acceptance of cancer as
the first step in living a life with possible and actual
cancer so as to live a functional and meaningful earthly
life as long as possible.
More specifically,
 Make peace with the cancer disease or cancer
diagnosis.
 Let go but not giving up.
 Continue to live a functional and meaningful earthly
life as long as possible through your well-formulated
intentional living plan.
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER
Summary
Take Away

37. Be always in touch with reliable medical
information on HOW TO LIVE A LIFE WITH
A POSSIBLE AND ACTUAL CANCER.
Knowledge is power; it gives power.
Use the 4Ks of Patient Empowerment:
Kaalaman, Kakayanan, Karapatan and
Kapangyarihan
to gain greater control over decisions /
make better decisions on HOW TO LIVE A
LIFE WITH A POSSIBLE AND ACTUAL
CANCER in your health management.
Take Away in
relation to
Patient
Empowerment
HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER

38. HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER
Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have an
essential
understanding on
HOW TO LIVE A LIFE
WITH A POSSIBLE
AND ACTUAL
CANCER
in their health
management.

39. Reminder after the PEP
Talk:
Take the Online Learning
cum Evaluation Test
Exercise (OLETE) for
mastery of learning and
have a perfect score to get
a Certificate.
Link is in Chat Box.

40. Reminder:
50 OLETE Certificates = 1
Voucher for ROJoson
Telemedical Consultation

41. HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER
Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have an
essential
understanding on
HOW TO LIVE A LIFE
WITH A POSSIBLE
AND ACTUAL
CANCER
in their health
management.
ROJOSON’S REQUEST:
FEEDBACK TO THIS
PEP TALK!
Pls. type in your
feedback in the chat
box during the open
forum and before we
adjourn!
Thank you!

42. HOW TO LIVE
A LIFE WITH A
POSSIBLE AND
ACTUAL
CANCER
Empowerment
objective - for
laypeople to have an
essential
understanding on
HOW TO LIVE A LIFE
WITH A POSSIBLE
AND ACTUAL
CANCER
in their health
management.
LET’S NOW HAVE A
GROUP PICTURE
TAKING BEFORE WE
START Q&A AND
INTERACTIONS!
Pls. turn on your
video!
Show your face!