by Bag It Team | Mar 10, 2025 | Educational Articles
March is Social Work Month and this year’s theme is Social Work: Compassion + Action. Individuals who enter the social work field don’t do it for the fame or glory, they enter the profession because they care. They care about people, policies, and advocacy. Social Work Month allows us to celebrate these special people who often go unseen but are so vitally important.
You may not realize it but social workers are everywhere! They work in clinical settings, hospitals and medical offices, in schools and community centers, in child protection and legal realms and in public policy spaces. There are over 700,000 social workers in the United States. Despite years of education, training and multiple certifications, social work is also one of the fastest-growing occupations, and these empathic individuals are in high demand.
One branch of social work near and dear to Bag It is medical social work — especially those in the oncology space. Oncology social workers support patients from “you have cancer” into survivorship. They provide assessments, assist with resource navigation, help with life and memory planning, and, most importantly, they offer emotional support. Oncology social workers are there during the hard conversations with providers and remain with you after to offer kindness, empathy and support. They are the middleman between the medical team and the patient and their family. In a space where everyone else is focused on the cancer, the social worker is focused on YOU — your quality of life, your hopes, dreams, and wishes, and your feelings and opinions.
Social work can be an amazingly rewarding profession. Regardless of the setting they work in, they go in each day knowing their goal is to help others, to improve lives and enhance well-being. Working with diverse populations helps you learn more about the communities we exist in, the varying needs and about yourself. There are endless positives to social work. And, simultaneously, it can be one of the most difficult professions. Social workers see the world at its best and at its worst, they see people at their happiest and their saddest, at the beginning of their lives and at the end. There is heartache and trauma in this work because there are barriers beyond our control. But they return to work, to the front lines of the human experience, day after day.
Here are some additional resources about how Social Workers can help you and your caregiver.
by Bag It Team | Feb 11, 2025 | Educational Articles
February 4th was World Cancer Day. The theme for 2025-2027 is United by Unique.
Each person’s story from diagnosis and beyond is different and each one matters! We receive different diagnoses, advice, treatment plans, drugs, surgeries, care, etc. But cancer is so much more than just a diagnosis.
We go through different emotions and at different paces. We learn so much about ourselves and those we care about. We discover how unique we truly are. Yet in our individuality, comes a kinship. Our story is ours, yet it will resonate with another’s heart.
We are extremely grateful to our Escape to THRIVE participants who were willing to share some of their stories that may touch your heart, may help you find something you’ve been missing, or may just be what you needed to hear to know that you are not alone.
Sharing Cancer Stories
It’s world cancer day today and I am so privileged to still be here while so many of my beautiful friends are not. Today I am so so lucky to be a stage 3C TNBC survivor because there were moments (shit there are still moments) where this crap is so heavy. Being diagnosed young and when you are supposed to be building a family, a home, a future sucks but I’m also thankful, I’m thankful for the compassion and desire to overcome what cancer has taught me. I’m thankful to the doctors and nurses and medicine that saved my life in 2021 so I can be here with no evidence of disease 4 years later. I’m thankful for the perspective cancer has given me not only on life but also death. Most of all I’m thankful for the community cancer helped form for me. A group of other compassionate, powerful, strong, intelligent humans all with this same crappy connection.
—Kimberly
This World Cancer Day I’m choosing to focus on the word grateful. That may seem odd when talking about a cancer diagnosis and, trust me, my heart has not filled with gratitude every day of this journey. I’ve had (and have) many days I look at the changes in my body and I wonder why this happened. But, as difficult as the journey has been at times, it has brought so much to be grateful for into my life.
I am grateful that my cancer was found early. I am grateful that I had an amazing team of doctors who worked together for the best outcomes possible. I am grateful for the family and friends that surrounded me and supported me throughout 7 surgeries and recoveries, especially my saint of a husband. I am grateful for the new friends I have gained in my life from joining a cancer group. And I am grateful for the opportunity I have to give back to those on this journey.
—Amy
This World Cancer Day, I focus on being. In a world full of doing, cancer was a wake up call for me to slow down and just be. Even when I had all the intention in the world to “do” my work continuing education credits during my month long surgery recovery, my body had other plans. I literally could do very little beyond look out the window. Even taking a walk was a momentous event. Slowly, my physical strength came back, and my spiritual and mind space expanded beyond where it had ever been before cancer. Cancer changed my life for the better (I can only say this many years into my thrivership).
I learned to:
- appreciate me for who I am, not the things that I do
- be graceful in accepting help (realizing it is a gift to give, and in order for someone to give help, someone must receive).
- slow down and not do everything everywhere all at once, especially for everyone else
- take time for myself
- advocate for myself and other cancer thrivers
- do the things that I enjoy, including retreats
- meditate
- be even more grateful
- savor each moment, even the challenging ones
- appreciate that growth comes from the seemingly hardest experiences
- heal with nature
Thank you to all of you who have shared in my journey. I am inspired by you. I appreciate you. I am grateful.
—Su-Yen
I see my life in 2 distinct halves: BC and AC—before cancer and after cancer.
I don’t even know that girl BC anymore. It’s as if she once existed and then she…didn’t. Maybe she died all at once while our body was in an icu bed, in a coma, tubes coming from her face, arms tethered, voiceless but wanting to scream, aware but not understanding, asleep but knowing even as she was being drugged into oblivion… Maybe she died little by little, piece by piece, as she lost body parts, left on operating room floors. Maybe she went mad and jumped off a building somewhere. No one noticed she was gone, except me. But I know. I know she’s dead and gone and I cannot deny that the me left in her place is brand new.
AC me has the wisdom that other me never grew old enough to attain. Expansiveness that other me could never begin to comprehend. She is more whole than she was before the mutinous body parts were cut away. She knows love like it’s a way of life. She drinks in experiences like they’re life-giving water. She knows her life purpose like it was tattooed on her soul.
She lives her life as if it is not a promise at all, but a blessing.
—Dawn
I was trained in journalism and beginning in 1984 became attracted to educating patients so they could be more in control of their care. That consumerism was new. In 1996 it became much more personal for me when I was diagnosed with leukemia. Other patients connected me with specialists far from my home and I entered a clinical trial that worked! That survival fueled even more passion to help inform patients and that has propelled me for decades. I feel the reason I survived was for this purpose and it is thrilling to see how better informed patients get better care.
I am 74 years old now and the blood cancer I have, myelofibrosis, is somewhat progressive. But I am NOT slowing down. We patients can help each other and I am delighted to be an active part of the cancer community and help amplify key information that is significant. I believe progress is real and we patients are integral to making it happen!
—Andrew
by Bag It Team | Jan 6, 2025 | Educational Articles
Skipping the elevator (or escalator) and taking the stairs is a simple but powerful way to boost your health. Climbing stairs strengthens your heart, lungs, bones, and muscles, and even improves balance and coordination. Even just a flight or two each day can add up to noticeable benefits over time.
If climbing stairs isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other small changes you can make to improve your physical and mental health. The key is to incorporate these activities into your routine consistently.
(Remember to always check with your doctor before beginning any new physical activity or exercise to make sure it is safe for you.)
Here are some easy ideas to up your activity every day
- Walk or bike whenever possible. If you’re heading to a nearby store, restaurant, school, or work, leave the car behind. If you must drive, park farther from the entrance to add extra steps.
- Use public transportation strategically. Get off one stop early and enjoy a brisk walk to your destination.
- Make the most of your lunch hour. Take a walk during your break, either alone for some quiet time or with a coworker for companionship.
- Combine movement with work. Hold walking meetings outdoors or pace around your office while taking calls.
- Turn family time into activity time. Walk your pet, take your partner or child for a stroll, or plan a “walk and talk” with a friend.
- Take movement breaks at work. Studies show that five-minute activity breaks each hour can counteract the effects of sitting all day.
- Stay active during TV time. Use commercial breaks for stretches, jumping jacks, running in place, or even a quick dance.
- Bring energy to chores. Dance or add extra movement while cleaning the house or doing other household tasks.
- Ditch the golf cart. If you’re a golfer, walking the course is a great way to add activity.
- Plan active get-togethers. Instead of centering social time solely around meals, organize outings with friends or family that include a fun activity like a hike, a game, or a walk. Pick something everyone will enjoy doing.
- Turn waiting time into moving time. If you’re waiting for an appointment, picking up a child, or standing in line, do simple exercises like calf raises, stretches, or marches in place.
- Make use of technology. Set reminders or alarms on your phone to prompt short activity breaks throughout the day.
- Take the long way. Choose longer routes when walking inside your home, office, or any building to add extra steps.
Small, consistent actions like these can lead to big improvements in your physical and mental well-being. Start with one or two changes and build from there—your future self will thank you!
by Bag It Team | Dec 9, 2024 | Educational Articles
The holiday season can be exhausting for anyone, but cancer-related fatigue is a unique challenge. This type of fatigue goes beyond ordinary tiredness. It’s a deep, persistent fatigue or exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest or sleep, often leaving you feeling unable to carry out your usual activities.
Cancer-related fatigue is a very common issue and can result from several factors, including:
- The cancer itself or other medical conditions.
- Treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, and their side effects.
- Medications you’re taking.
- Changes in blood counts.
- Lifestyle factors, such as sleep disruptions, poor nutrition, or inadequate hydration.
- Emotional or mental health struggles, which fatigue can worsen.
You Don’t Have to Endure It Alone
Share your symptoms with your healthcare team so they can identify possible causes and suggest medical and non-medical treatments to help you.
Let loved ones know how you’re feeling—they often want to help but may not know how. Work together to adjust holiday traditions—whether it’s scaling back on celebrations, delegating or sharing tasks like decorating or cooking, or simplifying shopping. Focus on the activities that matter most to you and bring joy.
And yes, naps are absolutely allowed!
Self-Care Strategies for Cancer-Related Fatigue
These tips can help manage fatigue during the holidays and beyond:
- Set priorities. Choose manageable goals, establish routines, and let go of less important tasks. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
- Balance activity and rest. While conserving energy is essential, staying physically active—even with gentle movement—can boost energy. Ask your healthcare team about safe exercise options.
- Take breaks. Schedule rest or relaxation time during the day, and don’t wait until you’re overtired.
- Improve sleep quality. Follow a bedtime routine to support better rest at night.
- Eat well and stay hydrated. Aim for a balanced diet. Meeting with a registered dietitian or nutritionist can help you to manage treatment side effects, maintain energy, address weight changes, and create tailored meal plans to support overall health and recovery.
- Care for your emotional health. Spend time with people who uplift you, and communicate your feelings—whether happy, sad, or tired. Alternatively, if you need solitude, it’s okay to set boundaries. You decide what feels right.
- Explore complementary therapies. Discuss with your healthcare provider options like acupuncture, massage, yoga, Tai Chi, Reiki, or stress-reduction techniques, which may help with fatigue or stress.
With thoughtful planning and support, it’s possible to navigate the holidays in a way that prioritizes your well-being and still allows you to enjoy what’s meaningful.
by Bag It Team | Nov 7, 2024 | Educational Articles
By Building a Backup Plan
Caregiving can take a serious toll on physical and mental health. Having a backup caregiver in place is important not only in case something unexpected prevents you from caregiving, but also for times when you may need to step away for a special event, work commitment, or simply a break to recharge. Here’s a guide to setting up a caregiver backup plan.
1. Identify the Key Responsibilities to be Covered. List the specific tasks or routines someone would need to take over to help you assess who could potentially fill the role and what skills they would need.
2. Determine Who Could Step In. Think about people in your network—family, friends, or neighbors—who might be a good fit. Professional caregiving services are another option; research a few providers to see which could best meet your needs.
3. Start Conversations Early. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed or in an emergency. Doing this now gives everyone involved time to get comfortable with the idea and address any questions or concerns without the pressure of immediate need.
4. Arrange Training and Trial Runs, Once you have someone lined up, organize training and trial runs right away. This helps your backup caregiver prepare, while also allowing your loved one to adjust to a new face in their routine.
5. Share Essential Care Details. Compile a guide for the backup caregiver covering your loved one’s health needs, emergency contacts, daily routines, and personal preferences, etc. The forms in My Companion Guidebook in your Bag It Bag can come in handy for this purpose. Update this information regularly.
Introducing a backup caregiver isn’t just helpful for you—it can also benefit your loved one by offering new social interactions, adding variety to their routine, and reducing reliance on a single caregiver, all while giving you peace of mind when you are away.
by Bag It Team | Oct 5, 2024 | Educational Articles
Taking prescriptions as directed is crucial to getting the most benefit from your medication while keeping yourself safe. To help your healthcare providers prescribe the right medications, it’s important to share a full list of everything you’re taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, supplements and herbs. Many supplements and over the counter medicines can interact with prescription drugs, so being forthcoming with this information is key. Also, make sure to mention any allergies.
The first step in properly using your prescriptions is understanding them. When your healthcare provider prescribes a medication, here are some essential questions to ask if the information isn’t immediately shared:
- What is the name of the medication? Get both the brand and generic names and confirm which one you’re being prescribed.
- What is the medication for? Understand the purpose of the medication and the risks of not taking it as prescribed.
- What is the correct dosage and schedule? Ask when and how often to take it, and whether it should be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
- How long will it take to work, and how can you tell if it’s effective? Know the expected timeline for results and what to do if it doesn’t seem to work.
- Are there any interactions or restrictions while taking the medication? This includes certain foods, beverages, other medications, or activities you should avoid.
- What if you miss a dose or accidentally take too much? Find out how to handle missed doses and whether refills are necessary.
- What side effects should you watch for? Both physical and mental side effects can occur, so know what to expect and how to manage them.
- Are there specific storage or handling instructions? Some medications need refrigeration, while others should be stored at room temperature or in a certain location in your home.
Tips to Help You Remember to Take Your Medications
- Try to incorporate your medication routine into daily habits, like taking them with meals or at bedtime.
- Use technology, such as an alarm or a medication reminder app on your phone, to notify you when it’s time for your next dose.
- Consider asking a family member or caregiver to help remind you, especially for important medications.
- Organizing your medications into a pill organizer or separate containers for each day can make it easier to track what you’ve taken. Some pill organizers even come with built-in timers for added convenience.
Tips for Taking Medication
- Fill all prescriptions as instructed by your healthcare provider and be sure to follow the directions carefully. Complete the full course of medication unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Never stop or change how you used medications to avoid potential safety risks.
- Use the patient forms in Section 1 of My Companion Guidebook (part of all Bag It Bags) to keep a detailed list of your current and past medications. Bring these lists to your doctor appointments and share them with your healthcare provider.
- Track your daily medication routine with customizable log forms in Section 2 of My Companion Guidebook (part of all Bag It Bags) to help you stay organized.
- It’s important to periodically review your medications with your healthcare provider or pharmacist, especially if you’re taking multiple prescriptions. This can help identify duplicate or unnecessary medications, or risky drug interactions.
- If you’re having trouble affording your prescription medications, Section 5 (Resources) of My Companion Guidebook (part of all Bag It Bags) lists organizations that may be able to help with financial support.
To see all of the helpful forms in the Bag It Bags, visit our Patient Page. You will also see a link to the forms in Spanish just under the Patients Forms heading.
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