National Caregiver Month: How LLS Cares for the Caregiver

November is National Caregiver Month. Caregiving can be a lonely experience. Caregivers often don't feel they should be seeking support for themselves, but the best way to care for a loved one is to care for yourself. There are several ways to reach out to others who are in similar situations or have recently been through a similar experience.

LLS offers a number of helpful resources. For more information about any of the services listed below, contact an LLS Information Specialist.

• Weekly Online Chat for Caregivers. Our live, weekly online chat provide a friendly forum to share experiences and chat with other caregivers. Each chat is moderated by an oncology social worker.
• Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program. First Connection is a telephone support program that links you with a trained peer volunteer who has experienced a similar situation. Anyone with a blood-related cancer, as well as caregivers, is eligible to receive a call or visit. There is no charge for this program.
• LLS Blood Cancer Discussion Boards. Meet your peers online and share thoughts and experiences on our Blood Cancer Discussion Boards.
• Family Support Groups. LLS's Family Support Group program is open to patients, family members and caregivers. Volunteer nurses and social workers professionally lead the groups. Contact the chapter nearest you to find out about Family Support Groups in your area.

Getting Information:

Caregivers often become the primary "researchers" for disease information and support in an effort to assist the person with cancer and to help him or her better understand the disease, treatment options and side effects.

LLS offers free materials and services designed to simplify this search for information and support. Navigate the Resources for Patients and Caregivers tab at the top of this website for disease information, support and education resources, or contact an LLS Information Specialist.

Never hesitate to contact me directly if you have questions about any of these services or need help getting access to them.  

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Seetha Modi is the Patient Access Manager of the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and author of this monthly blog series.  She has an Masters in Public Health and has experience working with varied aspects of the healthcare industry, including hospitals, the CDC and other health-related nonprofit organizations.

Contact Seetha:

Seetha.Modi@lls.org

(972) 996-5905

LLS/Baylor Patient Advocate: Caregiver Awareness Month

"When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, it affects more than just the patient. It affects the whole family. The caregiver’s world changes dramatically too. Instead of their usual routine, their new normal now includes driving their loved one to doctor’s appointments, sitting with them while they receive chemotherapy and blood transfusions, and constantly being worried about the unknown or the next test results. All while trying to be strong and supportive and take care of everything at home. They may now have to learn how to handle the finances, be in charge of carpool, or learn how to cook. 

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of facilitating a caregiver support group. The strength that these men and women have is incredible. They have their frustrations, sure, but they are so involved and know so much about the care being provided. They are the true advocate for their families and that is a really hard job. The Cvetko Cancer Center within Baylor hosts a “Caregiver Coffee Break” on the 3^rd Wednesday of the month from 3:00 -4:00 p.m. This allows the caregiver to leave the bedside for a quick break to decompress and talk with others going through the same process.

There are so many challenges that a caregiver faces when their loved one is diagnosed. But they are also the rock and support system that keeps everything from falling apart when the whirlwind of a cancer diagnosis happens. That’s why supporting the caregiver is just as important as supporting the patient. You, as a caregiver, have to take care of yourself to be able to take care of your loved one.

Blessings,

Kelsey"

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Kelsey Thompson is a Patient Advocate for the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  She understands the patient experience as a blood and marrow transplant registered nurse.  She is based at Baylor University Medical Center in the Cvetko Center.  She meets with patients and their families after receiving a blood cancer diagnosis.  

Contact Kelsey:

(214) 818-7890 

Kelsey.Thompson@lls.org

Melissa Garner: National Family Caregivers Month

November is National Family Caregivers Month and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is honored to celebrate these selfless individuals who give all of themselves to helped loved ones through a difficult blood cancer treatment and recovery process.  Melissa Garner, the Patient Advocate at Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC) talks about how LLS and Baylor are working to serve our caregivers right here in North Texas.

"Last Monday The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society partnered with the Cvetko Patient Education and Support Center at BUMC to host the first-ever Caregiver Spa Retreat.

The intention of the program was to honor caregivers with a special 1.5 hour workshop on self-care.

Caregivers received chair massages while listening to a live, guided meditation.  I was honored to be a facilitator of this special group, offering the guided meditation portion.  Cindy Spence and Susan Gee (Licensed Massage Therapists) provided the chair massages, along with their essential oils.

The packed room was transported—plus it smelled heavenly!  Everyone reported having a very positive experience—the overall response was that they felt very relaxed afterwards.  Once the guided meditation/ massage part was over, everyone picked out their favorite tea and cookies and sat back down to discuss self-care.

During this conversation, a great deal of emotion was processed.  The stress that a caregiver goes through is very real, and it was an opportunity for these caregivers to feel less alone and support each other.

Due to the overwhelming success of this event, we plan to have these “Spa Retreats” quarterly.  We need not limit this to once a year.  A caregiver’s well-being is too precious for that.  I will be sure to give you a heads up when we schedule the next Caregiver Spa Retreat so you can join us!

Talk to you soon, 

Melissa"

The 2015 Lone Star Blood Cancer Conference will also host break-out sessions specifically to address caregiver issues and needs.  Save Saturday, February 21st on your calendar and plan on joining us at this free day packed with information from the country's top oncology specialists.

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Melissa Garner is a Patient Advocate for the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  She is based at Baylor University Medical Center in the Cvetko Center.  She meets with patients and their families after receiving a blood cancer diagnosis.  Last year she met with 1,045 people at Baylor. 

Contact Melissa:

Melissa.Garner@lls.org