Cancer Patient Support Tip From a Survivor Tip #1
Make a Plan. Take a moment and put that thinking cap on. I KNOW how you feel.
You do not want to be practical right now but realize that a few simple things done now can save you time and stress later on.
You will need a personal cancer support team. These will be individuals in your life you know and can count on. Take some time and brainstorm together. Ask people you know that have been on the cancer journey for suggestions and special tips.
When you get some new tips please share with all of us!
Cancer Patient Support Tip From a Survivor #2
Make a list. As a mom, teacher, writer, and traveler I believe in the power of lists to keep myself organized. I tend to make lists and then lists of the lists, ha!
Bet you have done the same thing, but, when it comes to cancer, it can be a whole new thing.
How do you make a list or two? Have some great lists for you, thanks to my family and friends who became my organizers on the path.
Let's start with a list for doctor and hospital visits. Remember friends and family can help you get all this together!
When visiting doctors and clinics be sure to have all your bases covered.
If you are organized when you walk in, it will make the initial paperwork easier you and the office staff.
Doctor and Clinic
Driver's License or Legal ID
A second form of ID with a picture on it
Insurance card with policy numbers printed clearly
List of current medications with dosage (bring meds if you want)
Allergies to medications/food/environmental
Dates and places of past serious illnesses and surgeries
Emergency contact names and phone numbers
Your family physician's name, number, and office address
A check, cash, debit or credit card to pay insurance deductibles
List of questions and concerns to ask the doctor
REMEMBER
Some medical and hospital bills will come in the mail later.
My friend, Lynn put together a travel bag for me. You know the kind that can be taken to every doctor appointment, cancer treatment, and day surgery.
All disposable items are miniature in size making it easy for you to carry. She included things to keep us mentally organized, physically presentable and emergency ready.
LYNN'S CANCER TREATMENT LIST (thanks Lynn)
Antibacterial soap
Barf bag, wipes, and gloves
Big envelope to store receipts
Chewing gum, cough drops
Contact holder and solution if needed
Cooling towel
Emergency twenty dollar bill/Checkbook/Debit Card
Eye drips
Ink pens, sharpie, pencils
Kleenex -small pack
Unscented lip gloss or Chapstick
Ziploc bags-different sizes
Change of clothes
Chargers
Numbing cream for port if you are in chemo
A notebook for notes, and writing tool
Any personal items you need on a regular basis
Another great idea Lynn had-have a small suitcase packed and waiting at the front door in case of an emergency hospital visit. The list came in handy for me on my very first ambulance ride to the ER, so get those bags packed just in case.
Lists and lists of list can be boring, I know. But they can also be very helpful, especially during a quick change in our lives. So hang in there!
Always remember you are very special, and as my friend Amelia always reminds me, "You've got this!"
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