Mind, Money, & Medicine #3

Here’s this week’s Mind, Money & Medicine – where I’ll share my thoughts about resilience, smart investing, and cancer care.

Mind: Lessons from Resilience

This week, I reflected on a patient who was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. Despite the overwhelming odds, they remained remarkably optimistic and focused on what they could control.

Their approach was simple but powerful:

- They set small, achievable goals each day, like walking a few extra steps or eating one more meal.

- They leaned heavily on their support system, openly sharing their fears but also celebrating small victories.

- They practiced gratitude, finding moments of joy even in the midst of treatment.

This mindset not only helped them cope but also improved their overall quality of life during treatment.

The key takeaway: Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship. It’s about finding purpose and strength within it.

Money: The Power of Diversified Income Streams

This week marked a significant milestone as I officially became a monetized content creator on X. It’s a reminder of the value in creating content that resonates and the financial potential it can unlock.

Here’s how the income stacked up this week:

- X (formerly Twitter): Revenue from posts and engagements showed promising growth.

- Consulting: Completed a medical consulting session that netted $550 for less than an hour of work.

- Surveys: Maintained my goal of completing at least one high-paying medical survey per day, averaging $100 per survey.

Why diversify?

Relying on a single income stream, especially as a professional, limits both earning potential and financial resilience. Each of these side gigs adds a layer of security and flexibility, enabling me to invest more aggressively while maintaining a strong emergency fund.

Takeaway: You don’t need to overhaul your life to build diversified income streams. Start with what you know, and find ways to share or leverage that knowledge in ways others find valuable.

Medicine: Debunking the Biopsy & Cancer Spread Myth

One of the most persistent myths in oncology is that biopsies can cause cancer to spread. This week, a patient delayed their diagnosis out of fear that getting a biopsy would make their cancer worse.

Here’s the reality:

There’s no solid evidence that biopsies spread cancer. In fact, they are essential for diagnosing and determining the most effective treatment plan. Without a biopsy, doctors are essentially working with incomplete information, which can delay life-saving care.

For more on this topic, I’ve linked a video explaining why biopsies are safe and critical in cancer treatment.

Enjoyed this week’s edition of Mind, Money & Medicine?

If you found value here, share it with someone who could benefit – a friend, family member, or colleague. Let’s spread resilience, financial insight, and health knowledge together.

Got questions or topics you’d like to see covered? Just hit reply. I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time, keep building your mind, growing your wealth, and taking charge of your health.

Michael Del Rosario, MD

Twitter: @mpdelros

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@oncologydecoded