Thoughts

What Do I Do Now? First Steps for Caregivers Under the Family and Medical Leave Act Guest Author: Mary E. Wright, Esq., Wright & Supple LLP My friend Deb Krier asked me to write about things I wish I’d known before my husband was diagnosed with cancer and I asked for time off from work to care for him. Hands down, my first question was “what do all the freaking numbers really mean?” While I ultimately reached peace with my understanding of the numbers, I’m a lawyer, not a doctor so I won’t be giving out medical advice or strategy.  What I think might be of much greater help (and certainly more reliable) is, how can I translate 20+ years’ of employment law experience into practical steps for caregivers and their Warriors when they have to interact with their employer on things like medical leave (including leave for caregivers), wage continuation (like PTO and sick days) or state-run wage replacement

Don’t Go It Alone! A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and it’s important to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Building a tribe of supporters helps you cope with the emotional and physical challenges that come with cancer treatment. Here are some tips on how to build your tribe: Reach out to friends and family: The people closest to you can provide emotional support and help with day-to-day tasks. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with meals, transportation, errands, or just someone to talk to. You’re not bothering them…they truly want to help! However, they don’t want to intrude, so they sometimes don’t offer. It’s okay to ask them. Talk to your healthcare team: Your healthcare team can connect you with resources and support services. They can also provide guidance on managing side effects and other treatment-related issues. Don’t ever hesitate to talk to them about what you’re going through – both physically and mentally.

Meditation: How To De-Stress and Recharge Guest author: Roberta Whitney Hughes Do you feel overwhelmed by all of the things that you need to know about being on this new journey to heal and recover? I imagine the news of your diagnosis felt like a heavy weight placed on your chest and shoulders. From that first moment of hearing the news, it has been a whirlwind of information to process, treatments to consider, and choices to make for your path to healing. While I myself have not been in your shoes, I have walked alongside friends and family members who have walked a similar journey as yours. What I have learned through the process is that each person’s healing and treatment journey is unique. At the same time, most people who are on a journey to heal and beat cancer tend to have similar feelings: fear of the unknown, overwhelm from the choices, and defeated by the endless treatments. I

It’s OK to Not Be Fine! When someone asks how we’re doing – whether it’s a friend, loved one, co-worker, doctor…you get the picture – we usually reply, “I’m fine.” Right? We could be ready to run a marathon, about to keel over, or anywhere in between, but we still say, “I’m fine.” Cancer is a difficult and overwhelming experience for anyone. Living with a condition that requires constant care and attention can be mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to not be fine. We feel pressure to put on a brave face and pretend like everything is okay. We don’t want to be a bother. Society tells us that we should be grateful for the things we do have and not complain. But the truth is, dealing with cancer can be a constant struggle. It can make it difficult to keep up with our daily responsibilities and it takes a toll on our