In my professional life, I lean on a strategy I call “test, measure and adjust”. What I like about it is that it encourages experimentation, it creates space to identify what’s working and not working, and it invites creative alternatives. The more I’m exposed to caregiving, the more I believe “test, measure and adjust” is a […]
Month: January 2017
Advocacy Series: #4 – Get Organized
Create a system that works for you where medical information is easily and quickly accessible. To every appointment or test, I carry a shoulder bag that includes: 1) a list of active medications, 2) a list of the latest scan and test dates, 3) summaries of the test results, and 4) if relevant, MRI or […]
Advocacy Series: #3 – Respect Your Power
You know your body. You know your loved one’s body. You know their medical history, how they respond to treatments, how they feel about a procedure, and what it means when they say ‘quality of life’. You and your loved one want a doctor and medical team who is open to exploring ideas and opinions […]
Advocacy Series: #2 – Do Your Research
#2. Do Your Research. Bring your own ideas and the ideas of your loved one to the medical team – and find the right team member willing to explore them with you. Ask for the clinical studies and research reports and have your oncologist explain them to you. Meet with the radiation oncologist, the medical […]
Advocacy Series: #1 – Get Curious
Thanks for joining us for the new Advocacy series! Jeff and I are teaming up to showcase 5 Ways cancer caregivers and their loved ones can be active health advocates and navigate the daily demands of cancer with strength and confidence. Our hope is that you’ll share your experiences with us in the comments so that […]
Advocacy Series: An Active Health Advocate
6 years ago, I was in a meeting when I received a call. “Hi Jen, this is (x) from riding school, there’s been an accident…”