This weekend brings the first-ever Cancer Survivor and Caregiver ceremony to Gig Harbor as a part of the 2018 Gig Harbor Paddlers Cup Regatta. It’s a celebration to honor all cancer survivors and recognize the family caregivers who walk beside them. In the year since Jeff has died, I have jumped headfirst into the community-building […]
co-survivor tips
The Roles We Play.
Tonight is the night before our 13th wedding anniversary. 15 years together as the ‘home team’. Just days ago was Jeff’s birthday, another first I’ve experienced since he’s been gone. I am no longer a wife and partner. No longer am I a cancer caregiver. As I reflect on our marriage and the cancer experience…
Triggers and 3 Ways to Get Through Them
They shoot us into the past. They beg us to play the ‘what if’ and ‘if only’ game. They land us on unsteady ground. Triggers.
The Caregiver’s Credo
I’m often asked: “Jen, how did you do it?” I reply: “What do you mean?” They say: “How did you do it, you know, caregiving?”
Advocacy Series: #5 – Adjust As Needed
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 […]
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: #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…”
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 […]