by Bag It Team | Dec 1, 2019 | Blog
By Ingrid Jacobs
In February 2010, I picked up my Bag It bag at the Resource Center. I was still in shock with my colon cancer diagnosis and was a little dismissive of this bag and its contents.
When I had some quiet time, I looked through it and sorted out those things that directly affected me. By this time I had accumulated a number of providers’ business cards and other information pamphlets that I had in a pile. I also had copies from various doctors of my personal information. This unorganized collection prompted me to look at the binder more closely. Maybe it had something to offer.
The first thing I noticed in the binder was the clear plastic 10 pocket sheet that is intended for business cards. Yeah, I had plenty of those to fill the front and back of almost every pocket. That stayed right up front in my version of the binder. I often wished that I had a couple of those.
There was the encouraging letter from Sherri Romanoski, the founder of Bag It who had had cancer several years earlier. I think that I appreciate her desire to help more now then when I read her letter back in 2010. There were so many things going through my head at the time of my diagnosis and treatment. There were days I felt crappy. There were days I felt pretty good. I was scared and confused, but through it all, I had an extremely strong determination that kept me focused on what I needed to do. I also had the unwavering support of my daughter, her boyfriend, my 2 cats and a dog, a few cousins, and quite a few friends.
The various tabs in the binder caught my attention: Personal Information, Notes/Log/Calendar, Reports/Scans, Labs, and After Treatment. I had something for just about every tab. Hmmmm. . . not half bad. Somebody had put some real thought into this goody binder. I soon found myself putting papers behind the corresponding tabs. Then, I started to personalize it to fit my needs. I created my own tabs. Now I have my dated Chemo Logs and my Post-Chemo Logs. In between my chemo sessions I kept a log of what I was noticing, what I was doing to help myself, and questions I wanted to ask. Every two weeks, I took a copy of this log to my doctor to put into my file. She said that it was very helpful for her to read about these things because it actually helped her with my treatment plan.
Eventually, my original binder was bursting at the seams. I bought a second binder and created my own matching covers for both binders. I labeled them Arizona Oncology Logs and Labs #1 and #2. I know . . . clever and original. (giggle)
From my doctor, I learned that diet (including vitamins and supplements) was very important for more positive treatment results. I created a 3rd binder with corresponding information. That’s a whole other part of the continuing saga of me taking better charge of my health.
by Annettra Farrington | Jun 29, 2019 | What's New
We’re excited to announce that the Spanish version of the new Bag It bag is now available. Each printed booklet and the entire contents of My Companion Guidebook (Mi guía acompañante), including the forms, instructions, and glossary, have been professionally translated into neutral Spanish to be easily understood by all Spanish speakers. This is especially important as Bag It expands distribution across the country this year. See it here
Wait – there’s more!
Check out the Resource Center on our website for a list of Spanish resources covering many cancer-related topics such as information about cancer types and treatment, coping with side effects of cancer treatment, emotional support for families, communicating with children, nutrition and eating tips, complementary and integrative medicine, legal rights, financial assistance, cancer survivorship, and more.
Order a bag today
¡EL BOLSO BAG IT EN ESPAÑOL YA ESTÁ AQUÍ!
Estamos muy contentos de anunciar que la versión del bolso Bag It en español ya está disponible. Cada carpeta publicada y el contenido completo de My Companion Guidebook (Mi Guía Acompañante), incluso los formularios, las instrucciones, y el glosario, han sido traducidos profesionalmente al español neutral para que cualquier hispanohablante pueda enterderlos fácilmente. Esto es especialmente importante debido a que este año, Bag It expandirá su distribución por todo el país. Véase aquí
Pero espere… ¡Hay más!
Revise el Centro de Recursos en nuestra página web para obtener una lista de recursos en español que cubren una variedad de temas relacionados con el cáncer, tales como información sobre los tipos de cáncer y sus tratamientos, cómo enfrentar los efectos secundarios del tratamiento contra el cáncer, cómo obtener apoyo emocional para familias, cómo hablar con los niños sobre estos temas, sugerencias sobre la nutrición y la alimentación, la medicina natural e integral, los derechos legales, asistencia económica, la sobrevivencia del cáncer, y mucho más.
Ordene su bolso de Bag It
by Mindy Griffith | Jun 5, 2019 | Blog
I sponsored a Bag it bag to help an individual impacted by cancer feel informed, empowered, and supported throughout their treatment journey. I never imagined this donation would also result in my own wellness journey and lasting benefits.
I was fortunate to be the winner of Bag It’s 2018 drawing and booked my stay at Miraval Arizona in December, looking forward to a relaxing weekend to reflect on the year. The experience at Miraval was so much more that I expected, and the people and activities left a positive impact that I appreciate daily.
- Relaxation: Exploring the beauty of the resort property and visits to the labyrinth provided the ideal mental space to decompress.
- Expansion: Encouraged to step out of my comfort zone, I participated in my first Zumba class which was the most fun, accepting, and laughter-filled fitness experience I’ve ever had.
- Reflection: Through meditation activities, I explored emotions and strengths, vowing to reprioritize
neglected passions.
- Connection: I enjoyed truly meaningful conversations with staff and guests, reinvigorated by the kindness and compassion shared in these interactions.
We have all been impacted by cancer. Some have experienced it personally, others through a family member or friend, or a hero or celebrity we admire. Last month I sent a Bag It bag to a colleague recently diagnosed with cancer. While she thanked me, she indicated she had received information from her doctors. A few days later, she reached out to share how comprehensive the Bag It resources are, expressing how they have been a helpful addition to the information she previously received. The resources developed by Bag It are invaluable. I appreciate Miraval Arizona’s support of Bag It’s important work to inform, empower, and support individuals impacted by cancer.
Sponsor a Bag It Bag
by Annettra Farrington | Mar 26, 2019 | What's New
Written by Beacon Group…
For the last eight years, Beacon Group has assembled bags for Bag It, one of the country’s leading resource centers for cancer recovery that provides resources, tools, and services for patients, caregivers and advocates. The resource bags that Beacon puts together include a wide variety of materials that need to be collated, inserted and packaged in a specific way.
Beacon assembles over 8,000 bags per year, and that number is expected to grow as Bag It expands distribution across the country. Teamwork was a big part of the process, especially when major changes for Bag It’s organization required production adjustments for a new bag design. Flexibility and communication strengths from both sides contribute to the success of the arrangement. Bag It’s executive director, Mindy Griffith, explains ”I like the idea that we are supporting individuals with disabilities of course. But your service is phenomenal! If we have questions, they are answered quickly. If there are problems, they are taken care of.”
Read more…
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