Not a Caregiver but...

By Robyn2126

1 min read

Before I could get a stem cell transplant at UVA, my partner had to sign a waiver saying she would be my caregiver. If not, no transplant. I didn't realize at the time how dependent we were on caregivers. They go through the process as much as we patients do. They go through anxiety, fear, grief, and joy just like the patient. Bless them all for what they do.

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Leya Elijah-Lyle Moderator & Contributor
This is so true. I often tell people that when you are diagnosed with cancer, so is everyone close to you in a way. They are going through so much with you. Plus their own struggles and challenges. They need a lot of love!
CommunityMember3ee1b6 Member
My story is very similar headaches led me to the ER in February 2022 a week later I had 2 tumors cut out of my head and then 6 months of chemo, I've been NED since July.
1. Doreen Member
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember3ee1b6" user-id="6216754"/> My goodness, what a frightening experience. I'm so glad to hear you are doing well. Thank you for sharing your story. ~Doreen (Team Member) 
2. Dennis Golden Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember3ee1b6" user-id="6216754"/> So VERY Glad to hear you are NED.
JoyZoe Member
Can somebody help me with a question: My new caregiver (assigned by an agency) said that she got the original 2 Covid vaccine shots but refuses to get any boosters. Do I have a right to refuse a caregiver who is not currently immunized? 
1. Katelynn Bauer Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="JoyZoe" user-id="4233753"/> Hi JoyZoe! I'm not sure myself, but perhaps the American Cancer Society could help you answer that question or the Agency you are working with. If you let them know your concerns I'm sure they'll work with you to find a solution. Here is the link, there is a cancer help line on the top left corner of the page. Please keep us updated, we're here for you! Warm wishes, Katelynn (Team Member) <a href='https://www.cancer.org/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.cancer.org/</a>
2. Dennis Golden Moderator
 <inline-mention username="JoyZoe" user-id="4233753"/> If i were in your situation I would make my views and concerns known to the agency. After all it never hurts to ask questions and speak up. Based on personal experience (being hospitalized with COVID and on O2 for 7 days) after being immunized that the shots did not prevent me from being infected . If you have received the boosters I would think you can have some level of comfort knowing you a level of protection . Again just my thoughts. Do let us know what you find out. Dennis(Blood-Cancer.com TEAM)
JoyZoe Member
I'll try contacting the ACS. The agency is actually extremely non-cooperative. I need to have my ducks in a row before I challenge them again. Thanks for the information, though.
1. Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="JoyZoe" user-id="4233753"/> You may want to also research some patient advocacy groups that may be better suited to that interesting point. You can try and see if the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) can help you directly, as they have a phone number for direct communication. Wishing you the best! Please let us know how this works itself out. 
2. Dennis Golden Moderator
 <inline-mention username="JoyZoe" user-id="4233753"/> Sometimes saying things like " My lawyer asked me to get the name of the senior supervisor - so we can all proceed and get some questions answered. Amazing what a" little white lie" can do sometimes when dealing with non-cooperative types. Dennis(Blood-Cancer.com TEAM)