MY CANCER NOTES is a journal, calendar and notebook, designed by a caregiver, to track the myriad of appointments, medications and provider information cancer patients are expected to keep straight.
Because chemo brain is real.
MY CANCER NOTES
MY CANCER NOTES is the brainchild of the daughter (me) of a sweet octogenarian who was diagnosed earlier this year with a rare skin cancer.
Having previously been a primary caregiver of a cancer survivor, I knew full well how quickly this complicated undertaking overwhelms. Information gets misplaced. Details that seemed impossible to forget are forgotten. Passwords reset over and over and over.
It gets more confusing when there are multiple caregivers involved.
Which, by the way, there should be multiple caregivers involved because supporting a loved one through a major illness is exhausting.
Having a small notebook, with your details in it, can literally be a lifesaver that’s easy enough to change hands.
MY CANCER NOTES Details
The 123 pages of this purse-sized journal are filled with intentionally clear, delineated prompts and spaces to document the realities of a harsh diagnosis.
Organize your treatment plan, jot questions and express your thoughts and feelings about what you are experiencing.
Here are a few of the topics blocks you’ll find in MY CANCER NOTES…
My Diagnosis – You will probably never forget where you were when you received the news. This page is to write down the details you’re less likely to remember.
My Support System – A chart to list the people who have offered their support. You’ll see places for name, contact info and specific offer. This page comes in handy when you’re in need or want to say thank you.
My Research – It’s stated in the book, and worth repeating here, let someone near and dear to you (preferably with a medical background) do your online searches for you! This book has 5 pages to jot down relevant findings.
My Medical Team – Lines to write your Primary Care Provider’s, your Oncologist’s and your Surgeon’s contact information. There is an additional page for portal info, like user names and passwords, and another for your insurance details.
My Calendar – Six months of blank calendars to plan your days.
My Screenings – Keeping up with biopsies, scans and tests can be daunting. So can all the procedures, surgeries, adjuvant treatments, additional meds, diet changes and hospital stays. There are charts in the notebook to track all these things (even if you don’t need them).
My Appointments – Let’s hope you don’t need anywhere near 50 appointments! Still, there are that many pages to document appointments’ before, during and next steps.
My Logistics – Ideally your treatment will be close to home and you have someone at hand to get you to and fro. These 4 pages are for if things are more complicated.
Glossary – An abbreviated list of cancer related terms.
My Advanced Directives – As unpleasant a thought as these are, experts recommend advanced directives be put in place so your wishes can be upheld. Because peace of mind is a precious thing.
Pick a MY CANCER NOTES Cover
Each version of MY CANCER NOTES contains all the sections listed above.
Regardless of how different their covers appear.
The original design, with Cancer Awareness Ribbons was intended to inspire my mother in her battle. Shortly after her diagnosis, my brother-in-law received his own bad news.
Instead of handing him a “girly” book, I created a more “manly” one, complete with a bleeped out curse word.
Cancer Awareness Ribbons
Featuring sixteen cancer awareness ribbons, this white-colored, purse sized notebook is all about girl power.
Each color ribbon represents a different type of cancer that affects women. To see what the different colors mean, visit my post Cancer Awareness Ribbons.
To purchase a copy of this book, click the link below.
My €*%# Cancer Notes
Understated, yet spot on, this black gloss-finished notebook is designed for a bad@$$.
To get your copy of this book, click the link below.
Whether you’re ready to tie a ribbon on this thing or to tell cancer to €*%# off, I wish you the best possible outcome.
