Support and information:  key tools against lung cancer.

Dimitrios P., 62 year old patient

I would like hereby to share some personal reflections, conclusions and feelings from my lung cancer journey so far, which started in April 2022.

Right from the very beginning, after diagnosis, I felt I lacked information, I felt I had to learn more about lung cancer, to understand more beyond my doctors’ medical explanations.  A friend of mine, who was a doctor, sent me a link to a webinar, hosted by FairLife L.C.C., the Greek lung cancer organization. So, I entered the world of information about the disease. This was very important to me, because I learned more and understood better, I had the time to listen carefully and absorb all the information. After all, once you are given the input, you just keep on reading. At this point, I would like to emphasize the amazing job FairLife L.C.C. is doing in terms of information and so much more, as I’ll further explain. It’s important to have people around you and get support and knowledge, for people with no social contacts feel helpless and alone against lung cancer.  The lung cancer journey is complicated. In addition to information, psychological support for patients is extremely important. I myself felt the need to seek professional help right from the start. By joining the Psychosocial Support Program BREATH, offered free of charge, by FairLife L.C.C., to lung cancer patients and caregivers, I know I got the emotional support I needed to move forward.  And I feel so grateful. During the sessions, I rather felt comfortable than embarrassed. Mrs. Papadimitriou helped me through an analytical process of an unknown journey. Through counseling and support, I found myself. This is something I highly recommend to every lung cancer patient and their caregivers: Educate yourself, try to find support to cope with the painful emotions and the challenging day-to-day journey through lung cancer.

January 17, 2023