Informed—Not Overwhelmed

A Survivor’s Guide to Filtering the Noise

When you’re living with or recovering from cancer, information is everything—but it can also be too much.

After being diagnosed with two different cancers, I quickly realized that staying informed wasn’t just about reading the latest research or joining support groups. It became a mental challenge: how do you stay up to date without spiraling into anxiety?

Let’s talk about how to stay informed — without losing your mind.

The Problem: Information Overload Is Real

If you’ve ever Googled a symptom and ended up crying over a worst-case scenario, you’re not alone. From endless Facebook group posts to late-night WebMD searches and sensational headlines, cancer survivors are bombarded with information. Some of it’s helpful. A lot of it is terrifying. And most of it is exhausting.

Filter First: What to Trust (and What to Skip)

Here are a few simple questions I use now to protect my peace of mind:

- Is this source credible? (Think: Mayo Clinic, NCCN, academic cancer centers.)
- Is this relevant to my diagnosis and stage — or just general info?
- Is this making me feel empowered or panicked?

If it’s not reliable and relevant, I just let it go.

Hiring an Oncology Consultant Helped Me—But It’s Not for Everyone

At one point in my journey, I hired an oncology consultant. It wasn’t cheap—about $3,500 initially with a monthly fee thereafter—but it gave me access to another layer of expertise.

The consultant was an oncologist and helped me dig into the research and think through my options with more clarity. He also found a highly qualified surgeon who did a great job — as well as a reputable facility for chemotherapy. Additionally, he spoke with me between treatments. Reassurance from him was very calming during such a stressful time. He even searched for clinical trials for me to consider.

That said, there are trade-offs.

Even with a consultant, you still have to make the final decisions. And it’s crucial that any consultant understands your goals. For example, are you willing to travel for better care? Can you afford to seek treatment out of state? If the consultant does not understand your treatment parameters clearly, he cannot maximize your comfort and welfare. You need to be clear about what is critical to you during this journey

Stay Current Without Becoming Consumed

Being informed doesn’t mean checking updates 10 times a day.

Here’s what’s helped me:
- I limit my “cancer reading” to once or twice a week.
- I subscribe to one or two trusted newsletters and skip the rest.
- Before making changes, I ask my medical team — not the internet.

Use Evidence to Support—Not Scare—Yourself

When you’re in survival mode, even solid medical studies can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: evidence is a tool. It’s not a verdict.

I remind myself: statistics don’t define me — they guide decisions. That mindset has helped me stay grounded in facts without losing hope or perspective.

One Thing That Helps Me

On especially overwhelming days, I shut it all down. I take a “media detox” day. I journal what I do know. I remind myself that uncertainty doesn’t mean danger.

I go outside or spend time with my goats and other farm animals. Even gathering eggs at the farm makes me feel better, less stressed. Animals and the outdoors bring me peace and happiness, allowing me to escape the mental anxiety that can surround me.

And I breathe. I just breathe.

How Do You Personally Manage the Noise?

I’d love to hear from you: How do you filter the flood of information? What boundaries or practices have helped you?

Let’s support each other in finding peace — and power — in the age of information.

Feel free to reply, comment, or share with someone who might need this today.