Hamilton County Sheriff Deputy Lawrence Briggs, a 10-year veteran of the force, was determined to return to work after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2014.
After months of treatment, his cancer went into remission and the deputy’s outlook was wholly positive as he eyed a return to duty.
“[Cancer] made me stronger as a human being and as a person. It made me stronger. It didn’t ruin my life. I’m kind of glad I had it, I got it,” Briggs told local media.
Unfortunately, like many Americans, Briggs has now received a second cancer diagnosis. Doctors recently told Briggs, 32, they have found another brain tumor, one that is causing neurological difficulties, and Briggs was forced to retire from the force.
According to the American Cancer Society, “second cancers” are on the rise in the U.S., with nearly one in five new cases involving patients who have had cancer before. Since the 1970’s, when only about nine percent of new cancers occurred in those who have survived cancer before, the rate has more than doubled.
This bad news, however, could be tinged by a silver lining. Researchers point out that the new figure is the result of more people surviving their first brush with cancer and living long enough to get a second diagnosis.
Still, that second diagnosis can be stressful. Aside from the distress the news brings, patients may feel doubt over their initial treatment, anger that cancer has returned to their lives yet again or questions about whether they have the energy for another fight.
The experts have a few suggestions for dealing with a second diagnosis, including:
Give yourself a break
Just like everyone reacts to a cancer diagnosis differently, there’s no right or wrong way to deal with hearing the news a second time. You might not have the same reaction as your first diagnosis. You may be more emotional this time, or may need to lean on family more. Or health care workers. Or support groups. Just because something was “right” for you the first time, it may not necessarily be what you need this time.
Use lessons already learned
Still, there will be things you learned from your first fight that will come in handy this time around. If you know how well (or poorly) you react to chemotherapy, you can use that information going forward. Knowing more about cancer and your treatment options can help reduce your anxiety. You’ve built relationships in your first fight with cancer, and know your way around the hospital. Some of the same coping skills will, no doubt, be useful as well.
Plan ahead
Use what you already know to help set goals. Planning ahead will help you live as full a life as possible, even as you go through treatment again. The more “normal” everyday activities you can accomplish in a day, the more normal you’ll feel. It’ll also keep your mind off cancer, which can be an all-consuming worry.
Stay positive
When cancer returns, it can shake the way you look at life. It can change the way you see the world, it can change the way you view spirituality. Staying positive will help you deal with these crises with confidence.
Deputy Briggs may have been forced into retirement, but he’s not languishing away at home. These days, the deputy volunteers time at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital with children fighting their own battles. The community helps him stay active and positive, as fundraisers help with medical expenses and well wishes arrive, some as far away as France.
“Even though I have real bad headaches some days, I still keep a smile on my face because I refuse to let cancer take me down,” Briggs recently said. “I’m not gonna let cancer rule my life.”
