Deadpool - Gentlemen, Touch Yourself Tonight | 2016

A message to men about testicular cancer

The Bug Out Bag

When your loved one or yourself has been diagnosed with cancer, life takes a turn for unwelcomed surprises. This includes sudden trips to the hospital. After Nick's diagnosis, we not only  had five to seven day stays at the hospital, but also unexpected trips to the ER that sometimes resulted in overnight stays. It was after the third trip that we decided that we had to make a 'bug out bag'. Every time we had to make a trip to the ER, we took our trusty bag with us. Its something that I highly recommend. 

Now some people may wonder what to pack in their 'bug out bag'. Each situation is different, but just to help get ya'll started, here are some things I would recommend. Mind you, this is for both the patient and the family member who will be there with them each time. So make sure you pack for both. So here is a simple list to help you get your bag going.

1. Extra Clothes

If you stay overnight in the ER observation room, you will need fresh trousers. This means socks, underwear, pants and shirt. Especially for the patient. After a night of anguish and uncertainty, the last thing you need is to wonder if you smell of hospital. And if you get some bodily fluids on you, its nice to have a spare pair of, well, everything. 

2. Toiletries

Travel size is your best bet. Toothpaste, toothbrush, hair brush, deodorant, and personal wipes are pretty standard. If you stay overnight at the ER or even put in the hospital, you will want to keep up with your hygiene. This is especially true for the person going with the patient. Believe me. I've experienced the over night stay and after even just one night of stress you just feel icky. Even though the hospital may offer the patient some of these, its nice to have your own on hand. 

3. Chargers

With today's technology you can keep loved ones in check with whats going on. But between the texting, Facebook updates and so on, that can drain the battery of any device. So to prevent battery death, always have a spare charger in the bug out bag. One emergency is enough.

4. Extra items for patients with special needs

If the patient has special medical devices, for example an ostomy bag, pack extras in the bag. One time when Nick was in the ER, he needed an new ostomy bag. We asked the nurse for one. Come to find out they don't keep them on hand in the ER. She was sweet and got him one (even though it took her nearly an hour to get it) however, we learned the hard way that not all nurses are trained to care for ostomy's. Long story short, take extra supplies. You never know.

5. Paperwork

This means the information on the patient that was given to them by their oncologist. This includes a list of prescriptions, diagnosis, patient information, and oncologists name. When ever we went into the ER, Nick would be asked what prescriptions he was on, and so forth. Sometimes in tense situations we can't remember everything. So the best thing to have is a folder with the paperwork. Even if it seems mundane, it never hurts to have it. 

6. Cash

I know, cash seems so vintage. Especially since we run on plastic cards. But do you really want to use your credit card at the hospital? If its used for emergencies, I can see why. But I suggest cash. If you stay the night, the hospital will provide for the patient. And sometimes they will get you a drink. But if you stay in observation with the patient, you will need some substance. Which means a trip to the cafeteria. And if you stay more than one night, that's more trips to the cafeteria. So yeah, I recommend some cold hard cash, and use the card as a back up. That way you don't drain your account.

All of these suggestions are from our own personal experience. Like I said earlier, each situation is unique. And what worked for us may not work for you. But its good to start with the basics and then work your way towards what you will need for your bag. One thing I forgot to mention; keep the bag in a spot where you can grab it in a pinch. That way your not looking for it and wasting precious time during an emergency. Remember, its best to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

-Fight the good fight

Lets make the dream a reality.

As you may know, Nick, the founder of the Lewis Support Foundation, wanted to make the dream a reality. Its my intention to make it so. So the Lewis Support Foundation is starting another fund raiser for itself. Lets make the dream a reality so we can help families who need the extra support for themselves and their loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer. Please help by donating or sharing so we can make this happen.
https://www.generosity.com/fundraising/the-lewis-support-foundation--2

Colon Caner awareness month

Not many people know this, but March is Colon Cancer awareness month. As many of you know, colon cancer took the life of the Lewis Support Foundation's founder, Nick Lewis. He was only 34 years old. They may say get screened when you turn 50. But as I learned the hard way, cancer doesn't discriminate. You can be a young individual and it can still happen to you. 
There are signs that you could be diagnosed with colon cancer, however according to the American Cancer Society the symptoms often don't show until the cancer has spread or grown. Because of this, there are no symptoms in the earlier stages. It is suggested though that if there is a history of cancer in your family, its best to speak with your doctor about getting screened just in case. If you have other risk factors, such as a past diagnose of cancer, its better to be safe than sorry, and get a screening. 
We can't live in fear though. The best prevention usually is a healthy lifestyle. That means proper nutrients, exercise, spiritual health and well being. So until a cure can be found, we must be vigilant and supportive of those who are diagnosed with this disease as well as other forms of cancer.
 To help you stay vigilant, the American Cancer Society, as well as other health sites, have created a list of signs and symptoms that can indicate Colon Cancer. Please remember that this doesn't always mean that cancer is what's wrong, BUT, if your instincts are saying otherwise and some of the symptoms don't get any better, it maybe a good idea to get screened.

Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer

• A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days

• A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so

• Rectal bleeding

• Dark stools, or blood in the stool (often, though, the stool will look normal)

• Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain

• Weakness and fatigue

• Unintended weight loss

For more information about Colon Cancer signs and symptoms:

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/features/signs-and-symptoms-of-colon-cancer

Fight the good fight.