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

Updated Fundraiser

We have launched another fundraiser to help us get through the next few months. Please contribute. 

 Cancer Robbed Nick

The Inner Critic

A thousand voices echo within my mine, casting hysteria within. Stirring my mind and body into madness. These voices-these inner critics thriving in the chambers of my body have made it difficult to focus on healing. Indeed, in order to stay healthy and keep a positive mental attitude during your illness it would be easy just to push away that critic that is telling you horrible things. Like how you will not make it through the day or even beat your illness.
  However, in a way we must tap into our inner critic. Face it head on. In New Connections Magazine Oct. 2014 an article explains about facing down your inner critic . Author Doris Helge State " Communicating with the inner critic instead of running away." Indeed, I've taken it upon myself not to let this critic destroy my life and instead tune into what it is saying. Often I take these emotions and put them into my work-photography and writing prices.

Becoming more than A Foodie

About the time I was diagnosed in December 2012 I was forced on a liquid diet. Mainly I had to down gross Ensure drinks and sustain from eating any food. This was in preparation for the operations. After I got out of the hospital It became apparent that it would take a great force of nature to get me back into eating solid foods. Not to mention I had just started this intensive chemotherapy regime.
 It was an over daunting task just to get small bites of food into my mouth. At some point when I returned for a check up my sergeant and she made mention that if I did not start eating I was headed to hospice car. It was clear that no matter what I did or tired I my life would be cut drastically short At least that was her point of view. But Deanne and I sad the hell with that Idea. The next day I finally ate a waffle and egg. It felt wonderful to food into my empty belly. Even though this transition had taken awhile it felt good.
  With the assistance of Deanne I have found a new life passion, which is cooking. I juice just about every day. Drinking a wide verity of veggies. Eating a reasonable amount of fruit. Limiting on processed foods and Animal products. But we still really enjoy eating fish. Getting into the kitchen to cook a meal has become very therapeutic. It takes my mind away from feeling sick and calms my mind. Best said from A Chief (taken quote from Cooking Light, ) "I believe that we are born with talents-passions and when you have these passions for something your're at its mercy." I'm at the mercy of food and its nourishing me back to health.

Wish Granted

Since I have been battling cancer I have been reaching out to charities and organizations that can provide assistance. With that in mind one of the stipulations with a wish granting charity is to post my story online through my networks and such. Please share my post.   

Wish Acceptance Story

Many know or don't know that I have been going through a health crises for the last few years. Facing Cancer for the second time now at the age of 33 is not something that I had on my bucket list or wish list, but I have had great support from family, friends, and local organizations like Three Little Birds, which grants wishes. Its difficult for me because I would rather give back to the community and local organizations, but since I have been sick I guess its okay for me to accept assistance. However, Deanne and I have been operating our own blog offering information on staying healthy, so I hope that this will be of help to cancer patients and survivors. In addition to giving back eventually we plan on raising funds not only to offer to other charity organizations, but also help cancer patients that like myself are facing a financial crises.

I have not been working. Officially on SSI. It has been difficult to pay our bills on time, and have had to let some things fall behind like not having car insurance or being able to have my own phone plan. I also estimate that I need about fifteen hundred dollars to repair issues on the jeep. Its in very bad shape. SSI wont pay me more than 590 a month. Yikes. No wonder even with Deanne working its become difficult to cover rent and other bills. Very daunting aspect of our lives, and not something that I should be losing sleep over, which I have.

My main focus besides treatments has been changing my eating habits and focusing on heating healthy, and since I have become sick I have become more interested in cooking. Though most of the time I am unable to really get into the kitchen and cook because I'm not feeling well enough, but no doubt its become a new found love. I've been cutting out recipes and dreaming of the day that I can afford reliable cookware and have the financial backing to purchase food.

But I also am continuing my pursuit as an artist. Keeping my attention on my projects has kept me in a positive-mental state. It is with these ideas that though my first wish would be able to meet Casandra Peterson AKA Elvira. (Deann and I love her movies and her since of humor.) I have another top of the list wish. But second: The idea of launching a pop-up store for a week (if I am well enough to do so) would give me a way to sell current and new inventory of my photography and fine art is also a wish that I would like to have granted by Three Little Birds. With sales of my work it would allow me to get back on track in the financial spectrum and continue with creating new works and or updating technology is is very much needed. I have perused a career in graphic design, and until I go into remission that part of my life has taken a back seat.

Though, other wishes would include traveling to Europe, but I'm sort of on the no fly list as with my health it would not be possible to travel. I also have always wished to own a 1968 mustang and or some other classic car as for some reason I have been drawn to the 1968 Volvo Coup. However, I do own a 1954 Chevy that my grandfather gave me, but have been trying to sell it as I don't have the funds to finish the restoration. It makes me sad, but contact me in regards to get my asking price.

In addition I have been now writing for a number of years. I have published four books containing my poetry. However, I have about eight new manuscripts of poetry and many short narrative stories. Even though I self publish the cost of editing is rather difficult to pay at this time. If anyone wishes to purchase my current published works follow the link. The earnings from the sales would also help get caught up on bills or pay for other pursuits such as my new found love of cooking. http://nicholasrlewis.blogspot.com/

Please share this story. Give back to Three Little Birds and if anyone can offer further ideas or assistance regarding my wishes please let me know. Also like my Facebook pages and visit my websites.

Summary:

1. Meet Elvira
2. Pop-up Store
3. Publish new works
4. New/refurbished classic car

http://nicholasrlewis.blogspot.com/

Energy Healing

Crazy Life

During my continuous research on the web I cam across Kris Carr Website who also went through Liver Cancer back in 2003. Recently I picked up Prevention Magazine (Feb 2013) and found an interview with Kris. I agree with what she states in the article and if you have time you should read it..
  It took awhile for myself to get out of my funk when I was diagnosed in 2012, but now I have good thoughts about life and for me its all about attitude.  
  Kriss changed her life style and diet much as what I have done. I had over extended myself before I was diagnosed.  I got into some bad habits. Not eating right. Staying out all night drinking and not getting very much sleep. By the time I really started getting sick I could hardly function.
   Check Out her website: KRIS CARR

A Good Song!

            Music is the best medicine when feeling the blues during treatment. Please watch and
enjoy!  Original file on VIMEO

FUNDRAISER

FUNDRAISER 

A life-Living Challenge

I am all for supporting nonprofits geared towards raising money for cancer or debilitating health issues, which is part of why we are working towards our own goals of raising money, but I've grown tired of this Ice Bucket Challenge. I know that ALS can defiantly become a challenge and funds need to be raised to find a cure. In addition the Ice Bucket deal is a great inventive idea to raise money, but if those that are well and not sick- then its really should not be called a challenge.
   If you really want a challenge then try living with what I got (even though I know many people have Stomas.) Besides having to change the bag every few days,  last night  (again for the second or third time this year) the Stoma started bleeding. Mainly because the Chemo drugs are making it difficult on my system.  yet again I went to the ER to have the vain cauterized. This is an older photo from a few months ago but it makes a point.  I thought about filming last night but I'm sure people would be turned off by watching blood ooze from an organ. And yes we did donate to ALS with no gimmicks.
  So in an effort to raise money for our cause then please donate to our campaign.  Indiegogo

Note

I was thumbing through an issue of Vanity Fair August 2011 and came across information about a cancer organization called MD Anderson Cancer Research Center in Huston. In my mind and I hope everyone agrees that research is vital. Without research centers finding cures and discovering medicine to help fight Cancer it would be next to imposable to find a cure. http://www.mdanderson.org/