When my dad was first diagnosed with Lung Cancer, we lost an important disk containing scans, records, and other information we needed for the admissions process at Memorial Sloan Kettering. We wasted hours looking for that disk and then another full day (and the additional cost) of having another one made. I still have no…
What’s that saying? Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you respond to it? When my dad was first diagnosed with Lung Cancer, the doctors told us we had “days to weeks” left together. Thankfully, God had a better plan. Our cancer journey lasted 21 months, and we fought a battle together…
There’s a lot of unique gifts for back pain floating around out there but most of them don’t work. Take it from someone with lower back pain, bulging discs, sciatica, and wicked spasms that sometimes knock me right off my feet. For 18 years I worked with aggressive children with substantial behavioral issues and for…
I’ll never forget the day my dad was diagnosed with cancer. It was the very first day of my family’s cancer life, even though I didn’t know it then. He’d been having some really strange symptoms and had been to at least 10 different specialists trying to find someone who could help him. That day he…
These are the 9 best books on overcoming fear and anxiety for caregivers who are helping somone they love battle cancer. Feeling alone and stressed out? We’ve scoured the globe for the best book (well, the best 9) on overcoming fear and anxiety that will help you feel better, fast. Dealing with a loved one’s…
There is no way to fully prepare yourself for what’s coming when cancer is involved. Preparing for the worst is a natural response, but you can’t allow the “worst” to invade your mind. Trust me, it will take over. On one hand, you have to protect yourself. You have to try on some level to…
The perfect prayer for caregivers has to relate to the struggles of the journey. These 11 prayers are right on target. When my father was diagnosed with cancer, I was trucking along, trying to handle the insane amount of stress as best I could when my husband had a routine exam and was referred to…
If you want to become stronger to get through cancer, these quick and easy affirmations for mental strength will help you every day. I was in my PJs, just sitting down to enjoy my first cup of coffee when my dad called. “Are you almost here? We need to leave in half an hour if…
When my dad was diagnosed with Lung Cancer, I already had a crazy busy life. I was working full time, raising kids, taking care of a house, a dog, and my husband… Within a few weeks, my entire personal life was flipped upside down. I had a ridiculous time trying to fit everything into an…
How to help a family in Hospice and give real support. Here are 14 ways people helped our family that made an incredible difference. Do you know what is an amazing gift but can also be incredibly overwhelming during Hospice? People wanting to help. When my dad was transitioning from a serious illness (Lung Cancer)…