Getting Organized |
A cancer diagnosis comes with a range of new responsibilities and obligations, such as scheduling and attending medical appointments, filling out complicated insurance forms, and paying medical bills.
Organization Tips
Most likely, you will need some tools to help you get organized. The following ideas have worked for other people:
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Make a list of key friends, relatives, and neighbors. Include contact information, such as phone numbers and email addresses, for anyone who is willing to help in a pinch. Make sure everyone in the family knows where to find this list. Posting it on the refrigerator is a good choice. Keep extra copies for others, and be sure to have this list with you (on paper, in a tablet, phone, etc.) for easy access.
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Identify a place to keep insurance or disability forms and medical bills. You might set up a specific file folder or envelope for each, so that you can readily find what you need.
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Buy a wall calendar or large date book that is big enough to track multiple events during each day and week. Record your children's schedules (school, activities, and social commitments), doctor's and treatment appointments, and names of people who are helping out that day. You can try using a different colored pen for each child or type of event to help organize the process.
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Keep a "medical issues" notebook for listing the names and contact information for members of your medical team, such as your oncologist, social worker, and primary nurse. Also use this notebook to keep notes on clinic visits, medication schedules and doses, and observations about your partner's physical and emotional reactions. Try to find a notebook or folder with large pockets for storing pamphlets, business cards, and other written materials.
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Helpful Apps and Tools
Many young adults with breast cancer struggle to keep caring well-wishers informed about their cancer journey.
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CaringBridge understands that a community of loved ones can be a pillar of support when one is going through a health journey such as a cancer diagnosis. CaringBridge offers free, easy, private websites where you can keep your community updated on your health journey, schedule assistance from people who care, and stay in touch with everyone from a central location.
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Ianacare, is a mobile platform created by a team of caregivers, supporters, patients, and medical professionals with the goal of encouraging, empowering, and equipping you with the tools and communities so nobody goes through their journey alone. With the app, you can build a “team” to coordinate and help post updates, request and receive support, and access resources personalized for your journey. You can also be connected to a coach who can help you to navigate your personal situation and provide mentorship around topics such as:
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