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Caregivers4Cancer’s Betty Garrett was recently quoted on CNN.com. Read the article
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Ten Tips for Working with Your Medical Team

How to deal with the medical team

1. Get involved.
Begin asking questions, questions, questions of the medical team. Do not leave the examining room until you have understood what the doctor has discussed.

2. Listen to your intuition.
Usually, you are 99% on target. You know your patient better than any doctor; become in tune with your loved one.

3. Make a list of medications.
Every time you go to a doctor’s appointment, take this list and leave it with them. This is so critical and helpful to each doctor. Each doctor may prescribe a new medication or delete a drug, so this is a must in keeping everyone informed.

4. Take notes or record the doctor’s session.
Be ready for your doctor’s appointment; have questions ready. There will be times the doctor will have a lot of time to spend with you, but there will be days when his time will be limited.

5. Become knowledgeable.
Research the Internet. Knowledge is power, and there are many different resources. Talk to other people and the nurses; do your homework.

6. Get a calendar.
Write down every appointment. Do not schedule more than 2 per week including treatments. It is too hard on both of you to do more in one week.

7. Secure telephone numbers.
Know how to reach your doctor during office hours and after hours. Keep doctor telephone numbers close to the phone at all times. Keep those emergency phone numbers handy at all times, even in the car. Know your pharmacy number as well.

8. Do your homework before calling the doctor with a challenge.
Before you call the doctor, take the patient’s temperature, blood pressure, and heart beat so you can talk to the nurse intelligently. Keep the list of medications handy.

9. You have options…learn them.
Know your loved one’s medical options: chemotherapy, radiation, both, oral chemo, or surgery as an alternative

10. Keep a positive attitude.
“The glass is half full or it is half empty”, depending on your attitude. You can wring your hands and have a pity party, or you can become involved with this journey. The more active you become in this journey, the more knowledgeable you will become. Remember, knowledge is power and you will feel a sense of control.

How to Stay Upbeat and Motivated

Ten Tips for Caregivers on Staying Upbeat and Motivated

1. Choose your attitude.
Keep a positive attitude while embracing this chronic disease. “The glass is half full or half empty” depending on your attitude. Look at those things you can change versus those you cannot; embrace this change. Get involved immediately with the medical team.

2. Reach out and touch someone.
Ask for help; it shows a sign of strength, not weakness. Let someone stay with your loved one while you take a few minutes to yourself. Family and friends want to help; let them.

3. Pamper yourself.
Get adequate sleep
Get a massage
Get a manicure and/or pedicure
Play golf (or other activity)
Go to a movie
Take a 10-minute walk outside twice a day
Take a class…cooking…karate lessons…yoga

4. Bring entertainment home.
Rent movies and then pop some popcorn…doesn’t everyone eat popcorn while at the movies?

5. Record your thoughts.
Get a journal and write down your thoughts. It helps to express yourself on paper…it slows the pain.

6. Keep it light during treatments.
Keep the experience as pleasant as possible; it will help your spirits, too. For example, if the treatments are close to July 4th or other holiday, take some balloons with you.

7. Look for humor in this journey.
Find a funny book to read; there are lots of them. This will help take your mind off the entire responsibility, which can be overwhelming. One of my favorites is Don’t Worry, Stop Sweating…Use Deodorant by Richard Feelgood, Ph.D.

8. Seek help from other caregivers.
There are many resources for you to tap into just for the asking:

9. Create a list of tasks.
Write down some things people can do for you such as going to the grocery store, picking up the laundry, taking the car to be serviced. There are lots of things people can do to assist you, but you have to let them know what “it” is.

10. Rid the guilt.
Give yourself permission to take time for yourself. This is the best thing you can do for your loved one. You cannot be the caregiver and advocate of your loved one if YOU are tired and stressed. Medical science has done a grand job in working with the patient, but nothing to assist the caregiver. This is SO critical for the patient’s well being.

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