What can we do?

As suspected, a blood transfusion (red blood cells) is in order this week. Some times the symptoms he feels from low blood counts go away right after the transfusion, other times he perks up a few days later. Either way, it is good to stay on top of his anemia and get transfusion before he gets too terribly low.

This is probably the first of many posts I will write on this topic, but it is a broad subject and a common question. The answer is different every week and for every one of you, but I will try to put a new post out there whenever things change for us. The question “is there anything we can do to help?” is so wonderful to be asked, but sometimes so hard to answer. Most of us have a hard time asking for help and just as hard a time accepting it when offered, Garrett and I are no different. But I will strive to ask for and accept help when we really need it because a lot of small things can really lift some of our burdens and hopefully empower all you givers out there too! Here are a few things to start out that you can do right now:

- Check yourself! Get annual exams including cancer screenings. Most cancers are very treatable (or preventable!) when they are caught early. The sooner you can face the issue, the less difficult the solution will be. If you do this one thing we (and the other people who love you) will not have to worry about you :) which is a great relief.

- Have health insurance and disability insurance. See below about contacting policy makers to improve affordability and access.

- Live a healthful life of moderation (easier said than done, I know!) be physically active most days, get outside in sunshine (without sun burns) or supplement vitamin D, eat fruits and vegetables everyday, weigh in a healthy range and find ways to be happy! No one food or life choice keeps us cancer free, but the sum of healthy habits seems to lower our risk of cancer.

-Contact policy makers about supporting comprehensive health care reform, cancer research funding and education/access to pain and palliative care services. Join the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and they will alert you about upcoming votes and facilitate communication to lawmakers.

- Donate money to your favorite health, cancer, or patient support nonprofit organization. Garrett’s friends organize a Relay for Life team every May to raise money for the American Cancer Society, my friends Tessa (and Becca and Kristine) raise and run for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and you probably know someone else who is involved and taking donations!

- Some organizations need your time and talents in addition to funds. The Pink Daisy Project arranges support like house cleaning, reduced cost childcare and grocery shopping and meal prep assistance for breast cancer patients, helping young mothers like our friend Ellen’s sister during tough treatments. Volunteer your skills, walk or run in a fundraising event yourself, call your senator… actions small and large will support our family and other families facing cancer.

That’s all for now, surely more to come! If you know other organizations doing good work, share them here and with everyone else you know!