Patient with No help or caregiving support

geotina said:

Kez:
The American Cancer Society has a program "Road to Recovery Program" that provides free transportation to cancer treatments.

It is either Colon Cancer Alliance or Colon Cancere Coalition that has a buddy program if she is interested in something like that. Check out the various colorectal sites.

The social worker at the hospital she was/is treated/surgery at might be able to hook her up with a meals program.

When checking on the road to recovery program you can ask about other programs for her.

Tina

Websites
Road to Recovery:

http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/SupportProgramsServices/Programs/road-to-recovery

Other ACS services:

http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/SupportProgramsServices/index

Worth looking into these, it can even include housecleaning.

Buddy Program:

http://www.ccalliance.org/volunteer/buddy_program.html

Hope this helps!

Family Doctor
You might also suggest she talk to her family doctor who might be able to give her information on what is available in her area.

I know our two health care systems operate so differently, so not knowing where you live, I'm not sure if my experience would be helpful or not. I am single and on my own (just me, the dog and a multi-handicapped cockatiel). I don't think I'm really being truthful when I say I'm on my own because I have friends that will drop what they are doing and be over in a flash...some even sooner since they live in the same building as me. But, as far as the Medical folk know, I'm a single gal, on my own going through cancer treatments.

When I was last at my family doctor to get some prescription refills, it was the first time he saw me with no hair. I actually had to show him my head because I had that rash which we were sure what it was. So we got talking and he said, "Now Cheryl, I know you have friends who are/can help out, but tell me straight... is there any help you need? Any time while taking this chemo that you need someone to make you meals, clean your apartment, heck take your dog for walks?" The answer for me is "No". I have a wonderful cleaning gal who takes care of my apartment. I have a wonderful friend/neighbour who takes my dog out twice/day for her walkies. I have never been not able to cook for myself (other than that first chemo treatment, where I couldn't eat no matter who cooked for me). And I'm still active and doing my theatre thing... so I can't think of where/what I might need... but it's wonderful that he was thinking of me and let me know that if I DO need help, he can arrange it.

When I saw my oncologist... she did the same thing. Let me know that if I need any kind of help... I'm just to let her know what it is I need and she will make a point of finding it. Back when I was on the FOLFOX and had the 48 hour bottled. I did FINE with it... I continued to "work" at the theatre and all my various social engagements... I just had that d*mn bottle with me, which was more of an inconvenience than anything else. When it came time to take it off on the third day... my oncologist had arranged for a home care nurse (RN) to come to my apartment to unhook it, so that I didn't have to drive in to the Agency and have it taken off. She didn't think I'd be happy having an extra trip to the chemo unit just to have it taken off (even though I only live 12 minutes from the Agency). These home care nurses are literally angels! I not only looked forward to them coming so I could get rid of the bottle... but to have a visit from them. Male/female nurses... they all were fantastic! Ha... and accommodating! There was one time when I had to have the bottle removed BUT, I also had an important meeting at the theatre office that morning and I wasn't sure that I could make it back home in time for when I was scheduled to have the bottle taken off. A dilemma! The theatre office was in the middle of Stanley Park, since this is an outdoor summer theatre... we happen to have our office in a heritage building in the middle of this gorgeous park. So the Nurse Angel who was there when I said this, said that she'd be my nurse for the next one so how about if she meet me at the theatre office... and that is what she did. It was a gorgeous day out that day and since there were quite a few people in the office at the time, her and I went out and found a gorgeous, quiet, private spot at a bench under some trees... and she set up her "sterile" mat and proceeded to do the removal of the bottle. Normally, she would leave the empty bottle with me and I'd take it back to the chemo unit for proper disposal... but since we were at the park, she said she'd take it with her rather than me taking it and maybe accidently forgetting it somewhere

I know, I know... my posts always end up being stories ... but this is to let your co-worker know, there is help out there. You just have to ask the right people. It amazes me how much help there is for single people... but those of you who are in marriages/relationships don't get offered the same fabulous help if you need it (although, I'm sure the married/couple status really doesn't mean anything if you need help... they won't turn you down)

Cheryl