Things to know when you get cancer
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
Cancer patient shares hard-won advice on persistence, second opinions, and using NCCN guidelines.
JJ Maxwell, diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in May 2026, offers practical tips: be persistent in scheduling appointments (call back for cancellations), push for comprehensive genetic testing, and consult NCCN guidelines flow charts. He recommends talking to someone who has undergone the same surgery, getting a second opinion at a top cancer center, and dictating notes after appointments. The Sijbrandij Foundation provides helpful resources. An HN commenter adds that if within 2-3 hours of a major cancer center like MD Anderson, go there for speed and direct access to specialists.
What commenters are saying
Commenters broadly validate the advice, emphasizing persistence and advocacy. Several add pro-tips: find a surgery survivor of similar age and fitness; create a shared document for friends to take notes when the patient can't. A thread debates doctor quality, with some arguing systemic pressures (financialization, insurance battles) explain shortcomings, while others insist patients shouldn't absorb the cost. Two commenters suggest medical tourism to India or China, though others note downsides like post-op care and referral bribes. Jake Seliger's blog is cited as a detailed parallel account.