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…”
The Last 30 Days
The last 30 days have been filled with unexpected lessons. The new pain meds Jeff was on made him unsteady and one night while getting out of bed to use the bathroom, he fell. The crashing sound of him hitting the floor woke up the house just after midnight. I rushed over, the dogs rushed […]
Reflections on Respite
A cancer diagnosis creates emotional and psychological turmoil for the entire family. Life is drastically altered – it becomes immersed in all-that-is-cancer. Having the right type of respite care is a life jacket that provides temporary support. Whether in-home, outside, informal or formal, respite care is the “extra lift” that keeps your head above water. […]
3 Steps to Planning Respite Care
Here’s what I know about respite care – it helps caregivers better manage the care of a loved one battling an illness. It offers temporary relief care to give primary caregivers a well-needed break to relax and have time away from day-to-day caregiving responsibilities. It can be for a weekend, a day, a few hours […]
The Third Wheel
We didn’t invite it – it just showed up. It’s inserted itself into every aspect of our life. It’s dominating our thoughts, feelings, family life, hobbies, emotions, and beliefs. We really didn’t want it and now that it’s here, we want to get rid of it.
Another Birthday Celebration. Nice Try Cancer.
Jeff turns 55 today! He’s officially eligible for an AARP senior discount. I got excited when I thought about the discounts we might be able to get now that he has his ‘official’ seniors card. I told him it’s time to start testing and see what deals we can score. He rolled his eyes. I […]
Sitting Courtside
“You have a high level of Contentment – usually good natured and happy, grateful, optimistic and satisfied despite circumstances.” That’s what the personality assessment said as we reviewed the results in class this week. After class, we were asked to dissect the results with fellow students. Jen, how do you have a high level of […]
Are you a Detective or Crankasaurus?
Caregiving is a 24/7 gig. Supporting Jeff’s wellbeing is always on my mind whether I’m physically doing something to help him or thinking about how to manage a particular issue we’re facing.
An ER Visit and the Treatment Toolbox
5:00am: I woke up to tiny groans. Jeff had his fourth round of chemotherapy Wednesday – Friday, so we decided to stay at SCCA House on Thursday. We thought it best to avoid the late night, hour+ drive home and “gift” ourselves time in the morning to relax and rest before Friday infusion. Jeff was having […]