Jen - Such great suggestions above! It does help to be prepared. As time goes on and your needs change, make a list of things you need or would like to have done. Then when someone says "Is there anything you need", you can show them your list and suggest they pick something convenient for them to do or bring you. My son was always hesitant to tell people what he really wanted, but when he finally did tell them he found them very pleased to be able to help him out and to know it was something he really wanted! Having a list ready for them to pick from gives them the freedom to choose something easy for them to do or get and can avoid the uncomfortable feeling of having them say "No, I can't do the kitty litter that day because I have a root canal scheduled" or "I really don't know how to do laundry". You already have wonderful suggestions above for a great list to show friends when they offer to help.


Anne-Marie
CG to son, Paul (age 33, non-smoker) SCC Stage 2, Surgery 9/21/06, 1/6 tongue Rt.side removed, +48 lymph nodes neck. IMRTx28 completed 12/19/06. CT scan 7/8/10 Cancer-free! ("spot" on lung from scar tissue related to Pneumonia.)