The Big "W" - Work after Cancer.

Returning to work after cancer treatment can be an exciting and relief-filled event. Getting back to a more “normal” schedule and having a steady income and insurance coverage again can relieve some of the anxiety you may have been experiencing while you were out.

However, it can also be a very anxiety-provoking time for many reasons. More than likely, your energy and endurance is not what is used to be. You may be worried that you won’t be able to handle a full day of work in the beginning. Your attention span might also have been affected by the treatment, and you may find it difficult to focus for extended periods of time. You may be concerned about being treated differently if your co-workers know about your diagnosis, or you may worry about them asking questions if you have chosen not to tell them. There may be a lot of pressure for you to return to work due to financial need or to ensure insurance coverage. This can make re-entry even more anxiety-producing.

Sometimes cancer leads people to seek career changes or to set new goals. This can be a wonderful thing, but it can be difficult to know where to start. You may find it helpful to talk to a counselor about your concerns as you approach this step.

It is important to know your rights and what resources are available to you. The Cancer Legal Resource Center (CLRC) can provide you with legal information about insurance coverage, employment issues, access to health care and benefits, and estate planning. You can find them online under.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services is another resource that may be able to help you with finding employment if your ability to work has been affected by your treatment. They can be found under.

What are your concerns about returning to work? How did you work through the issues you faced when you returned?

~ Julie, Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center

You DO have a Voice!

In this profession I frequently work with people who express frustration over the lack of funding and programming for their specific type of cancer. Once they or their loved one are diagnosed with one of these “less supported” cancers, it becomes personal. Clients have said they feel forgotten, ignored or less important. They ask, “Where are all the walks and fundraisers for my cancer? Where is the media attention? How do we change this?”

The best answer I can offer is - ADVOCATE. Let your voice be heard! Reach out to others who share your frustration, and perhaps together you can develop a program or an event. There are many health care professionals who are here to support you, and probably a lot more survivors who share your diagnosis than you are aware of.

What has helped you when you felt that your type of cancer was under-represented?

~ Julie, Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center

Estate Planning: When Procrastination Doesn't Pay

We all get busy, and we all put things off on a daily basis. Most things we put off, like grocery shopping and getting gas for our car, will not dramatically change our life if we put it off for a few days. However, I bet we’ve all been burned by putting something off that then becomes complicated to complete or too late to complete at all. Estate planning falls into this bucket. Putting off getting your plan in writing may have a major effect on the rest of your life, as well as that of your family if you keep putting it off.

Whether you are healthy or poor, young or old, estate planning does not discriminate. Everyone needs to have a written plan in place, because truthfully speaking; none of us know when we’re going to need it.

Even though putting a plan together sounds like a daunting task, there are resources available. The process is much less painful once you hear an expert discuss the details. Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center is hosting a seminar on Tuesday that can help you do just that. Join us to hear Sabrina Winters, attorney at law, PLLC, discuss what you need to do to get your affairs in order and why it’s important to do so now.

This free event takes place Jan. 17 at 6 p.m., and a light dinner will be served. Please call to register so that we have enough food to share! 704-384-5223. We promise this will be time well spent!

~ Marcia, Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center

New Year? New Experiences!

The New Year is here and have you made a new resolution? I don’t know about you, but adding one more thing to my plate could be just one more thing to do, more pressure than I might already have in my life. To be honest, working at Buddy Kemp I am inspired every day by the stories of survivors who have added or, better said, incorporated something new into their life to bring meaning and fullness.

So maybe the New Year for you might be about looking and seeing all that is out there for you to experience. Here at Buddy Kemp we are trying to reach out to those who might be looking for a new experience. Here are a few ideas that might meet your New Year “new” expectations:
- Meditation through breathing and body movement. Our new Qi Gong class does just that. Join us the second Thursday of each month at 7pm.
- Doodling. Every Saturday in February from 10 – 11:30 a.m. you can come and let your creativity run wild! No strings attached, and there’ll even be an expert artist to help you hone your skills if you like.
- Drumming. This brings a new meaning to beating out stress! Join us for African Drumming the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.

It’s our resolution in 2012 to create more classes and programming based on what YOU want! Sooo… keep us posted! What can we do to make 2012 a more educational, entertaining, relaxing year for you?

~ Marcia, Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center

Defining the "New Normal"

One cannot say enough about the life changes that take place once a cancer diagnosis is given. The medical piece alone – the plan of care - can include months of weekly treatments and appointments with physicians.

Then there’s the other half of your life - the non-medical stuff – that you need to consider and change, including: exercise, nutrition and coping with the emotional aspects of cancer. Suffice to say, in many cases there becomes a “new normal,”

This “new normal” shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is a big deal to figure out what fits within your new routine. Places like Buddy Kemp offer programs and groups for cancer survivor and family members to get the support they need to help define and adjust to the “new normal.” Many also find it helpful to be among other survivors, as the camaraderie offers support in making the changes that might work for you.

Regardless, there are no rules for what’s right or what’s wrong in creating a “new normal.” Let us know what has been helpful to you!

~ Marcia, Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center

The Power of Relationships...

I heard on the news this morning that the idea that there are six degrees of separation between any two people on Earth has now decreased to 4.75 degrees of separation. This concept that we are on average a mere 4.75 steps away from a common connection to each other started me thinking about the connection between cancer survivors.

I consistently see survivors and their families develop bonds with other survivors they meet along the cancer journey. What begins as crossing paths in a radiation waiting room or infusion center can flourish into a deep and meaningful relationship. The bond is not always obvious as it forms but it is apparent when you hear them lightly reference each other as “members of the club” (referring to routine visits to the chemotherapy infusion rooms). Even survivors who are more reserved in making relationships with other survivors show evidence of a bond when they inquire about a familiar face that is absent from where they expect to see them.

This says a lot about the power of human relationships and the impact that we have on others around us. No, it may not be your intention to build a relationship with someone who is going through cancer. Your focus most likely is surviving and getting through treatment but the natural empathy that each of us possesses draws us to have concern for one another.

Although it is not your intention to inspire or encourage, recognize that the power of your presence can inspire and does encourage. Remember this the next time you are walking through the infusion room or waiting for your oncology appointment. Be mindful of those around you and how your kind word or friendly smile may be a gift to a newly diagnosed person - the fuel that helps motivate them on their path to survivorship.

How do you connect with other survivors?

~ Tiffany, Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center

'Tis the Season

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, giving thanks and, of course, turkey and pumpkin pie. It also kicks off a holiday season filled with family traditions, shopping, cooking, baking, decorating, traveling, rushing, timelines, stress, anxiety…… whew!

Just thinking about all these things can make a person tired, especially if they are going through surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It’s not uncommon for cancer survivors to become overwhelmed with trying to sustain family holiday traditions while at the same time worrying about low blood counts, upcoming treatment schedules, side effects and fatigue. They may also be experiencing fear and sadness that this might be their last holiday.

This holiday season as you are trying to find “your new normal,” take time to evaluate what’s important to you and to your family. Maybe think about creating a new tradition or streamlining some of the old ones. Or better yet, ask your family how they would like to spend the holidays this year; you may be surprised with what you will hear.

And if you feel that keeping with tradition is what will bring some much-needed normalcy to your life, then go for it. So as you celebrate this special time with your loved ones - whatever you decide to do -just remember to take time to sit back and enjoy!

Happy Holidays!

~ Lorraine
Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center