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Benefits Beyond Words: Keeping a Journal

BY Heidi Floyd, Vera Bradley Foundation Ambassador and Cancer Survivor

Fort Wayne, Indiana (June 2, 2008) —

At my first appointment for treatment of breast cancer, my boss brought three gifts that I certainly needed, although I was unaware how much I needed them at the time. The hug, the encouragement and the journal became lifelines. My wonderful co-workers had passed around the journal to enter thoughts and good wishes for me as I began my journey. They filled the first 20 pages with humor, love and wit, leaving me with 50 empty pages.

I was never the type of person who felt the need to journal her feelings per se. I have been blessed with the uncanny ability to say exactly what is on my mind without my pesky common sense getting in the way. As a result, I thought that this book would just sit on my shelf for years to come. Little did I know that this journal would become my cancer “bible.” I filled the extra pages with so many things. First, I wrote questions I needed to ask my doctor. Memory loss is a real issue with cancer patients. Write down your questions, write down his or her answers, and refer to them as needed. You might have some memory loss—wait, did I already mention that?

I also used the journal to stash photographs and notes from my children. You’ll want something uplifting to look at during treatment, and five-year old issues of Car and Driver that are sitting in the waiting room just won’t fit the bill! Special cards from friends, parking passes to the hospital garage (did you know you have to pay full price if your fabulous memory loss makes you forget that you even had a ticket?), questions regarding insurance and my emergency information card all found a home in my journal as well.

If you want to capture your thoughts, feelings or doodles during this time, use it for that purpose as well! You might want to check out a new journal created by Lifeguard Press for breast cancer patients. This little book will indeed sit on your shelf for years to come—and you will look at it often and with great fondness, as I am so blessed to do.

• How do you like to make decisions?
• How will you present information to me?
• How can I reach you in an emergency?
• Why do you recommend this treatment or procedure?
• How might it help me?
• What are the possible risks?
• What are the side effects? Which ones require immediate medical attention?

How long will this treatment take? How often do I receive it?

How is it administered?

Are there any more or less aggressive options available?

How will each of these options affect my quality of life? Will I be able to do the things I enjoy? Can I work? Take care of my kids? Go on vacation?

What lifestyle changes would you recommend I consider during my treatment?

How and how often will the effectiveness of this treatment be evaluated?

Suggested Questions For Your Employer:*

• How much time am I eligible to take off for surgery and/or follow-up treatment?
• Will my diagnosis affect my current position and future career goals?
• How will this diagnosis affect my health insurance coverage, finances and earning capacity?

*These are important questions, but bear in mind they should in no way impede your treatment. If your employer isn’t able to give you the answers you need, there are many resources for outside assistance. Your life is the most important issue, hands down!

Suggestions For Your Emergency Card:

The medic alert symbol in large print.

Your doctors’ names and contact information.

Your current medication—including the exact names of your chemotherapy medications.

Medication(s) you are NOT allowed to have during treatment—your doctor or nurse will give this to you (and you will have written it in your journal like a good patient).

If applicable, which arm the medical team should NOT use (due to lymph node removal).

Make an extra laminated copy of this card and tape it to a lower corner of your windshield so it is visible, but not a distraction while driving.

Visit Cancer and Careers to search for information on job-related concerns, including how to talk to coworkers about their illness, working through treatment and returning to the office after a leave.

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