Caregiver Companion-A Guide for the Family Caregiver of Cancer Patients

During the summer hiatus, we thought we would re-introduce some of "classic" Caregiver Companion episodes. If you are a long time listener- this might be a good refresh. If you are new to our community, this is a chance to hear some of our early topics. We will be back with new topics and new guests after the summer. Hope you enjoy these vintage episodes.

Caregiving is hard, grueling demanding work. Caregivers are prone to caregiver fatigue and burnout. As a caregiver is it important to be there for your loved one. But never taking the time,  or never considering your own well being actually diminishes what you can do as a caregiver. Self care is an important part of the caregiver's regime. Fran and John speak with Mark Bregman, an expert in medita...

Today Fran and John speak with a couple who were caregivers for their first spouses when they were diagnosed with cancer. They both went through difficult times caregiving for their spouses, and through tragic loss. They came through their grief, found each other,  and turned to volunteerism to channel that energy. Today they are amazing advocates for cancer patients, caregivers, and families of c...

Fran and John speak with a Certified Therapeutic Musician. A unique title, and a unique instrument she plays.  Carolyn Bodginski is a Certified Therpeutic Musician, helping patients, family caregivers and even hospital staff deal with the stresses of having, and caring for, someone with a life threatening illness. Her instrument of choice: The Mountain Dulcimer.  The sweet and soulfull voice of a...

In this episode, we continue the conversation with Dr. Fui Sun Wong, Oncology Pharmacist and Professor of Pharmacology about the many aspects of clinical trials.

In today's episode, John speaks with Dr. Siu Fun Wong, an Oncology Pharamacist and Professor of Pharmacology. It is a deeper dive into the world of clinical trials, as a follow up to last season's introduction to clinical trials.

In todays,episode, we continue the discussion of public policies with respect to caregiving, outside the United States.  In my limited research, I found no consistency among various programs and policies in place around the world. Although, there are definitely some 'best practices' that could be incorporated into existing programs and policies. While most of the discussion surrounded itself with...

There is a caregiver crisis happening throughout the world. For the vast majority, the role of caregiver falls to a family member or close friend when a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness or disabiity. It is one of the most important jobs a person will have, and yet, one they are least prepared to take on. The gap between caregiver support needs, and resources available is widening. In...

In part 2, we continue the conversation with Patty and Lori. Two women whose partners are the primary caregivers to their parents. If you are a caregiver, we know the feeling of isolation can be overwhelming. You feel like its all on you to take care of your loved one. Its 24/7 and can be grueling, physically and emotionally exhausting. But there is help out there.  Just as you surround your patie...

Caregiving can be  described  as a set of concentric circles, sort of like a bullseye, where the center of the circle is the patient- the focus of everyone's attention. The next circle, or ring, is the primary caregiver, closest to the patient and the most intensely involved.  As you move out from the center, other rings emerge, such as the spouse or partner of the caregiver. Then family members ,...

This year we covered topics such as friendship and caregiving, with two friends that were both cancer survivors and helped each other through their cancer journeys. We spoke with a pharmacist who provided information on handling medications. A doctor spoke to us about navigating clinical trials. We spoke to an educator whose students performed a play about a child dealing with a parent with a term...

In today's episode, John and Fran discuss ways to approach caregiving during the holiday season. Caregiving is difficult, challenging and stressful. The holidays can and will add to the pressures and anxiety of caregiving. But with the ideas discussed, you may find some ways to simplify the holidays, recruit support engage your loved one, and navigate through the holidays finding some joy , peace...

Sorry for the  delay in getting this episode out to you all. It's been quite a summer!  My new wife and I spent the month of July on the other sode of the country, caring for my sister to recover from knee replacement surgery. Then it was my turn. I developed a large abscess, and with fever approaching 104, went to the ER at the local hospital. I spent 9 days in the hospital with a drain and IV an...

When a serious illness affects a parent, oftentimes the young children are overlooked or excluded from the situation. Externally, they may seem fine, but internally they are observing, processing and trying to make sense of what is happening. In her insightful book, Dr Fran put us in the mind of young Stella, who witnesses the decline and ultimately, the death of her mother.  We see how each of th...

When a cancer diagnosis is given, it is given not only to the patient, but to every family member. Like a rock trown into a calm lake, those waves emanate out impacting family and friends surrounding the patient.  Over the course of our podcast, John and Fran have spoken to friends caring for a friend, spouses caring for a partner, a parent caring for their sick child. In today's episode, we exami...

In this episode, John and Fran talk about the upcoming documentary "Caregiving" to be aired, Tuesday June 24 at 9PM on Public Broadcasting System (PBS) stations across the USA.  It will also be available to watch via streaming on  www. PBS.org . The documentary is produced by Wellbeings www.wellbeings.org , a family caregiver advocacy group , resource, and center for support. Produced by the actor...

It's been a while since we published a new episode. There has been a lot going on... with Fran's practice, with John's medical situatiuon, as well as personal things. We wanted to let you know what we have been up to, and also to let you know that we have not let you go! We have been talking, about next episode ideas, and plans for the balance of the year. As always, if there's a topic you want to...

In this episode, John and Fran talk with an Oncology Pharmacist with a deep knowledge of the clinical trial world. We heard about the diferent phases of clinical trials, and what each means; when and where to look for clinical trials. We also heard about the rights and responsibilities of both the trial investigator as well as the patient.  If you are considering joining a clinical trial, there is...

Caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint. The caregiving continuum takes a caregiver through all kind of responsibilties, tasks and pressures. In this episode, John and Fran talk about the pressure of caregiving at the end stages of treatment, whether that is remission and surveillance, or hospice and end of life decision making. As a caregiver, it is important to recognize, that even if your loved...

There are many pressures people are dealing with in today's world. Watching the news, one sees wars, famines, natural disasters all around us. In our own personal world, prices, jobs, family, kids all contribute to a heightened anxiety. It seems a symptom of modern society. Add to this ambient stress levels, the added pressure of receiving a cancer diagnosis for a loved one, and the pressure is in...

Winston Churchill, in describing the old Soviet Union, once said "it is a riddle wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigmna".  When a loved one is diagnosed with a rare cancer, it can certainly feel that way. With limited information, and uncertainty about where to turn, a caregiver can feel incredibly lost and overwhelmed.  Today John and Fran spoke with a woman, who cared for her husband Jeffrey, w...

When we become  caregiver, we take on many roles and wear many hats. Nurse, advocate, cheerleader, chief paperwork officer, to name a few. One of the most important roles we play is the handling and administration of medications for your loved one. With advances in pharmaceuticals, there are many anti-cancer drugs that can be taken orally as opposed to intravenously. That allows patients to avoid...

In this episode,  John and Fran talk with two friends, Laurie and Bonnie, who shared the common experience of breast cancer patients, support group members and advocates for other patients.  Their friendship took on a new dimension when Laurie was diagnosed with endometrial cancer, after 26 years remission of her breast cancer.   Laurie and Bonnie open up about that journey, and how Bonnie ,almost...

It's been a while, we know.  Holidays, moving, caregiving, and life in general kept us away from the podcast microphone. But we are back!  Fran and John share what the holidays were like for them, and discussideas for upcoming episodes. Season 2 should prove to be quite interesting and informative.  Above all, we want Caregiver Companion to be a place where you can come, at the end of long day, an...

This is our final episode for 2024. We will be back in 2025 with more topics and guests. It was a little over a year ago that the idea for this podcast was born. In 2019, I wanted to do something to help cancer patients and their familes, and by what I believe to be Divine Providence, I met my good friend Ray, who also lost his spouse to cancer. Ray introduced me to people at the local hospital wh...