While I loooooove the holidays, they are also fraught with challenges You know what I mean? Too many calories. Too little sleep. Too many errands. Too little time. The year that I had FBC was especially difficult – obviously. DUH. I felt completely out of step from the rest of the world during that holiday… Continue reading Coping with Cancer During the Holidays
Breast Cancer Caregiver Support
Being a Friend to Someone With Cancer
Being a Friend to Someone With Cancer While on the book tour, the number one question that people asked me (and I am asked on a daily basis) is “How do I be a friend to someone with Cancer?” In light of this question and all of the new blog readers, I thought I would… Continue reading Being a Friend to Someone With Cancer
How to Make Stress Your Friend
How to Make Stress Your Friend Last week – speaking at the Clinton Foundation Women’s Health Day – was stressful. I drove the poor HOTY crazy with my all-consuming stress. He said to me, “We’ve got to do something about this stress. It’s too much!” Poor Guy…. Now the Silver Lining was that I ended up having… Continue reading How to Make Stress Your Friend
Long Distance Caregiving of a Friend with Cancer
Long Distance Caregiving of a Friend with Cancer As if having a friend with cancer isn’t bad enough, right? Well, I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news when I say that it can feel worse. How? you ask. When you live a bagillion miles away and can’t be with the person you love… Continue reading Long Distance Caregiving of a Friend with Cancer
Nurse Love
When people ask me what I do, first and foremost, I say, “I’m a nurse.” It is an honor and joy to be a part of this profession. When I had FBC (f-bomb breast cancer for new readers), I felt an instant bond with and gratitude for the nurses who took care of me, both… Continue reading Nurse Love
Caregiver Fatigue
As I wrote recently, caregiving can be a demanding and stressful experience, either personally or professionally. Sometimes I don’t think that caregivers get enough credit for what they do. “Caregiver fatigue” is a serious condition characterized by a gradual lessening of compassion over time. I know it sounds rotten, but I’ve seen it happen and… Continue reading Caregiver Fatigue
Caring for the Caregiver
In the world of f-bomb cancer and other illnesses, a “Caregiver” is someone who is responsible for attending to the physical, emotional, or financial needs of another person. There are formal and informal caregivers. Formal caregivers are trained professionals paid for their services. Hiring professional caregivers is expensive. Really expensive as a matter of fact.… Continue reading Caring for the Caregiver