When People Want to Dictate Your Skin Cancer Journey

Using social media means sometimes getting unwanted advice. But what do you do when people want to dictate your skin cancer journey?

I’m sure they mean well – or do they?

After a few medical issues, including skin cancer, I was surprised to get quite a few messages on how this or that person could help me. I’m a people pleaser so it takes a lot to offend me. Usually this “help” comes in the form of some multilevel (MLM) scheme. I try to brush these off, I really do. But most recently after a renal cell carcinoma diagnosis, I was told by a friend that she could help me the natural way. In fact, she mentioned it could cure my cancer without toxic chemicals from the doctor. I was absolutely stunned.

I mean, think about it. If these types of people are willing to suggest their “cure” for you for kidney cancer, imagine how they would have jumped at the chance during my skin cancer, which has thankfully been absent for a few years now. Not that I can’t have another bout with it, of course.

What can you do?

One thing to keep in mind is that only you can choose your skin cancer journey. Your doctors are your best option for knowing exactly what to do. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a second opinion if something seems off, or you’re not happy with the type of treatment. But you can also make sure that you keep these people from trying to fix you when you share your skin cancer diagnosis or treatment.

Here’s where it gets a little difficult. Is this a friend you’ve known for years, or someone you don’t want to cut off from your life? If that is the case, you can either ignore their help or tell them you appreciate it, but would rather go with your doctor’s advice.

On the other hand, if this is someone you don’t mind losing as a friend, simply block them and move on. My experience was a mix of the two. I’d known this person for years, but I blocked her anyway. I figured that anyone who would try to sell me their snake oil just to make an affiliate profit wasn’t really a friend in the first place. And keep in mind, she’s not the first to do so. I’ve had someone try to sell me something for my dog that had passed, and others trying to help me in a number of ways with whatever they were selling at the time. Honestly, it gets tiresome.

When people want to dictate your skin cancer journey

No matter what you decide, it’s ultimately your choice. And to be honest, who needs more stress on top of a skin cancer diagnosis or treatment? Most places say that it is best to rid yourself of these toxic people, and honestly, I agree. In the long run, do it for your own peace of mind. Seriously, don't let others make you feel like you don't know yourself better than they do.