| Someone You Love Has Cancer And Is Facing Chemotherapy. What Can YOU Do? |
In 1907, Col. E.M. Morrison wrote A Brief History of Isle of Wight County,
covering the years 1608 to 1907. In 1957, this history was republished by the Isle of
Wight Branch of the Association for Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (APVA) to
commemorate the 350th Anniversary of the founding of the first permanent English
settlement at Jamestown, Virginia.
To celebrate the 400th Anniversary in 2007, the Branch has republished Col.
Morrison’s work and has added a 1908 – 2007 update by local author Doris
Gwaltney.
covering the years 1608 to 1907. In 1957, this history was republished by the Isle of
Wight Branch of the Association for Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (APVA) to
commemorate the 350th Anniversary of the founding of the first permanent English
settlement at Jamestown, Virginia.
To celebrate the 400th Anniversary in 2007, the Branch has republished Col.
Morrison’s work and has added a 1908 – 2007 update by local author Doris
Gwaltney.
In addition to love and moral support, there are many practical things you can do to
assist someone undergoing chemotherapy. Chemo Sabe offers a wonderful collection
of helpful hints and practical information used by the author during her own
experiences as a Personal Advocate.
In Chemo Sabe, you will discover a chapter on each topic below, filled with tips on how
to:
(From Chapter 10, Creating a Positive Environment)
assist someone undergoing chemotherapy. Chemo Sabe offers a wonderful collection
of helpful hints and practical information used by the author during her own
experiences as a Personal Advocate.
In Chemo Sabe, you will discover a chapter on each topic below, filled with tips on how
to:
- Work with the chemotherapy patient and decide on your role as a Personal
Advocate.
- Agree with the patient on your role as a Personal Advocate up front. Use this chapter to
explore potential areas of what you will do. (From Chapter 1, The Role of the Personal
Advocate)
- Get organized to help manage the logistics of treatments.
- Create a quick reference card of essential phone numbers of doctors and care centers.
Place a copy by the phone. Have the patient carry it along with their insurance and
identification card. (From Chapter 2, Logistics and Schedule Management)
- Make the most out of doctor visits.
- Write down the points to be covered during any doctor's office visit. Ask all the
questions you want to ask. (From Chapter 3, The Doctor's Office Visit)
- Monitor blood test reports - the barometer of a chemotherapy treatment - as well
as drugs and other vital statistics.
- Secure and carry a simple calculator for calculating ANC and analyzing blood work.
(From Chapter 4, Demystifying Blood Test Reports)
Gather write-ups on all drugs that the patient is taking and become familiar with
possible side effects. (From Chapter 5, Monitoring the Drugs)
- Optimize insurance benefits while minimizing hassles.
- Always ask if a referral or script is needed. Know what type of referral you have and
when it expires. Keep the patient's PCP in the communications loop; it may assist the
process of obtaining a referral. (From Chapter 6, Optimizing Insurance Benefits and
Minimizing Hassles)
- Be sensitive to the patient's changing food preferences and needs.
- Be careful about food preparation to minimize bacteria exposure. Avoid yogurt and
Caesar salad dressings made with raw eggs. (From Chapter 7, What's for Dinner?)
- Use the Internet to supplement information and communications.
- Use the Internet as a communications tool to let others know how treatments are
progressing and what they can do to help. (From Chapter 8, Using the Internet)
- Be mindful of your own health.
- Consider using caregiver resources. Seek out your own support person. (From Chapter
9, The Personal Advocate's Heath, Stress, and Impact on the Patient)
(From Chapter 10, Creating a Positive Environment)