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 […]
The Y in the Road
Today is my parents 48th wedding anniversary. What a remarkable day to celebrate this special, and (frankly) uncommon milestone. Only they know all of the memories they’ve created over the last 48 years together. In sickness and in health, good times and bad, annoying habits and all. I am filled with love, admiration and respect […]
How I lost it in a sea of lanyards.
Last Friday, I found myself standing in the middle of a Seattle sidewalk, swimming in a sea of lanyards and I started to cry. Hundreds of employees from the surrounding tech companies were breaking for lunch and bombarding the streets to hit their favorite eats. I watched these employees buzz by me with their prepared […]
10 Things Not to Say to a Family Battling Cancer
Between the shock of receiving a cancer diagnosis and the sh*tshow of treatment, you begin to share the news with loved ones. Since Jeff and I have been through this rodeo twice (head and neck cancer, 2006 and prostate cancer, 2014) we’ve learned that most people want to know as much about the details as you’re comfortable […]