Cook & Craft With Love: Getting Organized for Cancer Treatment

Binder with dividers

When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer I felt so overwhelmed with all of the information I was receiving. I was gathering so many lab and radiology reports and there were several appointments to keep track of. I decided to take control of my treatment by organizing this binder with dividers. It goes everywhere with me in case I become forgetful with "chemo brain". I feel more empowered by having this vital information at my fingertips.

These are some suggestions for sections in your binder:

Appointments
Medical Staff
Medication
Communication
Radiology
Labs-Tests
Chemo Info
Resources
Nutrition
Insurance - you might want a separate binder or folder

I created the following forms that I can use to record information. (A couple of the forms were given to me by my doctor but I revised them to make everything more uniform). Feel free to download for your own personal use. I have suggested the number of copies you may need in parenthesis.

Appointments for Treatment (5 copies) Hole punch and keep in binder
My Treatment Team (1) Hole punch and keep in binder
My Contact Log (20) Hole punch a few sheets for binder. Staple the rest and keep by the phone.
My List of Medications (2) Hole punch and keep in your binder
My Medical Visits (25) Hole punch and keep in your binder
My Food Diary (25) Staple sets of 4 - 5 sheets together. Keep in the kitchen for the caregiver to have easy access, or in the binder for your convenience. Show this to your doctor or dietitian if you are having problems eating.
My Weekly Medication Log (50) Staple sets of 4 - 5 pages together. Keep with your tote of medications.

Create a file drawer or file container to store all of the pamphlets booklets, and other information you will collect over the next several months.

Use a tote or plastic container for medications and essentials needed during your care. Store this tote on the kitchen counter. Make sure the thermometer is always returned to this container so you or a family member can find it quickly.

Here are a couple of other suggestions for your binder. A nice hole punch and a vinyl business card holder.