I do a monthly lifestyle segment for our local Portland morning show- AM Northwest. Today's segment was about 'Tips for Helping Cancer Patients'. [The emphasis is on the first month or so of hearing the words "Cancer"]
click here to view the segment
My hairs a bit thinner... the topic a bit heavier, I hope you find my tips helpful. #andnowyoucanputmyvoicetotheface
Here are my notes from the segment:
April 26, 2010 Segment for AMNW- How to support a newly diagnosed cancer patient?
Knowing you have Cancer is different than knowing the Severity or How to Treat it.
- Tests may include: ultrasounds, mammograms, biopsies, MRI's, CT, PET scans.
- Official Diagnosis + Treatment plan happen after ALL the information is in.
This can take several weeks after hearing "you have cancer". - You Can expect to have 2-4 medical appointments a week for several weeks.
Diagnosis Month is a Whirlwind of Appointments + Well Meaning Family + Friends
- Important to remember that YOU don't know how to beat it/fight it/ until you know what you are dealing with.
- Thinking of you/praying for you/Here to support you... over the well meaning: "my aunt had... xyz cancer, she beat it, you can too" or here is how to beat it via xyz book etc.
- Thinking of you via cards, notes, facebook messages, etc. preferred over phone calls, Instant Messaging on FB etc.
Helpful Gifts
- Binder with pocket dividers, paper, pen.
- Small notebook to jot down notes
- Envelope to collect business cards in.
- Baked Goods
- Medicine organizer
- Treatment Basket or Bag
Do
- Texts or a quick call "I'm at the store can I bring you anything... milk? bread?"
- Snacks: fruit, muffins, ready to eat/on the go.
- Meals: prepared + easy to clean up.
- Be the "Designated Appointment Driver"
- Be the "Note-Taker"
- Be the "Child Care Provider"
- Be the "Cook"
- Help Schedule Appointments or clear appointments from your calendar
- If you are close... the tell them what you are going to do instead of asking what can you do.
USEFUL WEBSITES:
- www.LotsahelpingHands.com -Site helps you create + organize your community as to how they can best help. [I created a small team of my girlfriends to help me manage 3 areas: SELF.HOME.ENDEAVORS]
- The American Cancer Society www.cancer.org
- Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program offers free women's health exams, pap smears, and mammograms to qualified individuals. 360.514.1663 http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/bcchp/.
