How Can I Help?

Stephanie and Oscar can be really bad about asking for help, like most people in these situations. The pandemic made asking for help complicated. This time, more options are available to them to alleviate the stress. If you are locally available to assist with transportation, cleaning, or other caregiving tasks feel free to reach out directly to get notifications.

Amazon Wish List: Some amazing people took care of most items, but there will usually be something listed here.
Smith’s gift cards: Smith’s has a pick-up and delivery service to make groceries quick and easy.
Call her at ‪(385) 288-0930. Even better, video chat since it’s the future with Messenger.

Beyond “thoughts and prayers”, what can I say to help?

“Choose positive, hopeful words, but don’t give people false hope or talk about other people’s cancer outcomes.
“Where do we start? You’re not facing this alone.”
Sometimes “hello” or “I love you” is enough.
“You are strong. You can do this.””Choose positive, hopeful words, but don’t give people false hope or talk about other people’s cancer outcomes.
“Where do we start? You’re not facing this alone.”
Sometimes “hello” or “I love you” is enough.
“You are strong. You can do this.”

Don’t focus on your own worries and sadness about your friend or loved one’s diagnosis. The patient or caregiver shouldn’t feel like he or she has to take care of you. Instead, offer strength, humor, and practical help.
“This sucks. I love you. I’m going to [help by _ ].”

Just listen. Your friend or loved one has a lot to think about, and one of the best gifts you can give is to be a sounding board.

What the #$^@ is going ooooonnnnnnn?!

It can be immensely helpful to learn about the type of cancer they are going through and how cancer works. Here are a few resources to get started.
YouTube:
“Your Body Killed Cancer 5 Minutes Ago“
“The Reason Why Cancer Is So Hard To Beat“
“Why Blue Whales Don’t Get Cancer – Peto’s Paradox“

Having metastatic colon cancer means the cancer cells are the same ones initially found in the colon; they’ve just moved to a different part of the body. In Stephanie’s case, her doctors have confirmed it is no longer present in her colon and moved only to a lymph node by her trachea.
“Chasing Metastatic Cancer Cells“
“What Is Metastatic Cancer?”