Episode 26: Caregiving Through Throat Cancer: The Importance of Planning Ahead

*Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about cancer treatment & caretaking, which may be emotionally challenging for some listeners.

In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey shares her personal experience as a caregiver during her husband's battle with throat cancer. Through her journey, she highlights the challenges of caregiving, the importance of planning ahead, & provides practical tips to help others navigate similar situations.

Today’s essential question: Why is it important to plan for emergencies or end-of-life situations while you are clear of mind?

Episode Highlights

• The Diagnosis
• Husband diagnosed with stage 4b throat cancer
• Initial disbelief
• The Treatment Process
• Surgeries to add the chemo port & stomach tube (PEG tube)
• 7 weeks of radiation (Mon. - Fri.)
• 3 rounds of chemotherapy
• Caretaker Challenges
• Balancing work, home life & caretaking duties
• Learning to manage stomach tube & medication administration
• Dealing with side effects of treatment

Advice for Caretakers

• Keep a daily journal for doctor visits & patient's condition
• Prepare a "go bag" for hospital visits
• Manage medication schedules & medication type (liquid/crushable)
• Create a support system with family & neighbors

Essential Supplies

• Pill crusher
• Recliner (non-rocking)
• Shower chair
• Buckets lined with paper towels for spitting
• Vomit bags for travel

Post-Treatment Considerations

• Ongoing side effects from radiation
• Special dental care requirements

Key Takeaways

• Plan ahead: By planning for emergencies & end-of-life decisions before a crisis hits, you'll be more equipped to focus on what really matters—caring for your loved one & helping them through the treatment process.
• Stay informed: Being proactive, learning about treatments & asking the right questions to doctors can prevent unnecessary emergencies or complications.
• Emotional resilience: Caregiving is emotionally draining & it's important to acknowledge your own needs while navigating the complexities of cancer treatment.
• Support networks: Finding the right support system, whether through family, friends, or even online communities, is vital to managing the challenging role of caregiving.

Conclusion

Honey’s story highlights the importance of planning ahead for life’s unexpected challenges. Through her personal experience of caregiving for her husband during his battle with throat cancer, she provides practical tips & heartfelt advice to help others navigate similar journeys. Planning not only reduces stress but also allows caregivers to focus on what matters most—supporting their loved ones. 

Resources

• In the podcast I mentioned I’d share tips on the items I used. Click the link to access those tips: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/tips-for-a-throat-cancer-patient
• I mentioned I’d share a link to a caregiver group that I’m in, but it’s private so I can’t share it. Instead, do a search on Facebook for ‘caregiver’ & several groups come up. Choose a group that matches your needs.
• https://www.facebook.com/share/g/Gor6k8fHn2wTqw8W/ - SPOHNC (Support for People With Oral and Head and Neck Cancer) Facebook group
• https://spohnc.org/supportive-care/ - Website for SPOHNC
• https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html - If you’re a caregiver to a veteran or military family member the you can join the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN)
• https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/ - Tip for veterans & military families, go to va.gov & scroll to the bottom to click the VA Outreach Events where you might be able to find events for caregivers.

Subscribe & Follow:

• Thoughtful Planning on your favorite podcast platform
• https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney - Legacy Toolkit Facebook Business Page
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit - Legacy Toolkit LinkedIn Business Page
• Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/podcast