4 Winter Spices to Keep You Healthy

Happy Monday! We hope that you enjoyed your long Thanksgiving weekend! Now that we are back to our routines [for a couple weeks at least!] lets jump into today's post, 4 spices to keep you healthy this winter. Stay tuned because for the next four Nutrition and Recipe Sundays, we will be sharing a recipe using one of these spices!

4 Winter Spices to Keep you Healthy Through the Cold

Chamomile 

This winter spice is perfect for those days that you are feeling yucky, stressed or a little under the weather because it assists your body in getting a better night's sleep. This floral spice has muscle relaxing properties and can help soothe an upset stomach. 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a classic winter spice- but did you know that it also how health benefits as well! This delicious spice can provide joint relief for arthritis, lower cholesterol and fight off bacteria.

Garlic

Garlic not only can help keep your heart healthy but also can help fight off the common cold-which loves to show up around winter time. Garlic has been used through out time for medicinal use!

Cardamom 

This spice can remedy respiratory tract problems and provides you with a healthy boost of energy. Additionally it provides protection for your stomach and can even help with dental problems!

5 Tips to Make this Thanksgiving Stress-Free

As we are approaching Thanksgiving this week, it can begin to feel overwhelming. From accomplishing "to-do's" on your holiday list to ensuring our normal daily routines are in order, the wonderful [but sometimes stressful] chaos has begun! Add on the stress of being a pediatric cancer patient, and stress levels can really begin to sky rocket.

That is why today we would like to share 5 simple tips to get through this holiday week without letting cancer get in your way!

1. If you know the typical Thanksgiving menu will not do, prepare a meal that will be perfect for you. It is no secret that chemotherapy or other treatment regimens can take a toll not only on your ability to comfortably eat but also can effect your tastebuds. If you know that the foods that your family typically prepares is not for you this year, make sure to pack your very own meal that will provide you with nothing but comfort!
2. Make sure to have some anti-nausea techniques ready to go! Whether you have been prescribed anti-nausea medications or prefer natural remedies make sure you have these available! Nothing will ruin a good time like overwhelming nausea--so be prepared! Check out our various anti-nausea remedies.
3. Dress comfy, comfy, comfy! Typically family functions on this holiday last for more than a few hours, therefore it is important to make sure to dress in whatever is comfiest to you.
4. Get a good night's rest before AND after the big day. Rest is an extremely important part of going through treatment. It is important to rest up before the big day so you are able to get the most out of this wonderful holiday. Additionally, long hours out can be hard on your body if you are a pediatric cancer patient so make sure you also rest well the night after.
5. Finally, and most importantly, just relax and enjoy your day! This by far is one of the most important tips that we would like to share. Being a pediatric cancer patient does not define who you are and it is important to shut that part of your life out, even for a couple hours and simply enjoy your time with your loved ones!

Staying Warm tips!

Tis the season for cold weather now! Hard to believe winter is here already. It is important when you are on treatment to make sure to stay warm.

Here are 12 tips that will help. These tips are provided to you by Mental Floss check it out at http://mentalfloss.com/article/60076/12-toasty-tips-staying-warm-cold-weather

1. WARM YOURSELF FIRST. 

It's easier to change your body temperature than room temperature, not to mention more eco-friendly. Instead of turning up the heat, put on another layer of clothing.

2. WEAR A HAT. 

Your mom may have said that you lose 80 percent of your body heat through your head, but that's not actually true. If you're otherwise clothed, you'll lose heat from any surface that's exposed. So put on your hat, even if you're inside.

3. TURN ON THE CEILING FAN.

Warm air rises to the ceiling. Run your fan on its lowest setting in a clockwise direction to push the warm air back down to where you can feel it.

4. SWITCH BETWEEN HOT AND COLD WATER IN THE SHOWER.

Hot showers immediately warm you up, but cold showers improve blood circulation between your skin and organs. Cold showers are also correlated with a stronger immune system.

5. BLOCK DRAFTS WITH A POOL NOODLE. 

Keep heat in and cold out by cutting a pool noodle in half lengthwise, wrapping it in fabric, and sliding it under your door. It'll stay put all winter, and you can re-use it at the pool come summer. (But we recommend you spring for a new one.)

6. TWO WORDS: PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT.

Another two words: Obvious, right? Stay toasty on schedule, so you never go home to a living room that's colder than outside. You can even do it with your smartphone.

7. TRICK A LOCKED THERMOSTAT.

Not everyone has access to adjust the thermostat in their apartment or office building. If that's the case, you may need to outsmart the device by making it "think" the room is colder than it actually is. Putting ice near it often does the trick.

8. DRESS YOUR WINDOWS UP IN WARMER CLOTHES.

If you're not wearing a tank top or going sleeveless, your windows shouldn't, either. Replace thin curtains with heavier wool or fleece drapes in the winter. But be sure to open them on sunny days for free heat.

9. GO AHEAD, BAKE ALL DAY. 

Using your oven heats up the whole house. You'll feel even cozier if you invite friends—and all their body heat—over to eat four dozen cookies.

10. START COMPOSTING. 

If you're already interested in composting, here's another reason to do it: The microbial breakdown of organic material produces heat. Some people use it to warm up showers and greenhouses, but even small-timers in studio apartments can feel a difference.

11. LAYER YOUR COVERS WITH THE THINNEST, DENSEST ONES ON TOP.

It's intuitive, but fluffy blankets should be closer to your skin. Thin, dense blankets should be on top to prevent convective heat loss. Bonus tip: Don't put your bed directly against an exterior wall. You'll be warmer if you leave a little space. 

12.  STUFF YOUR COAT POCKETS WITH DIY HAND WARMERS.

3 D.I.Y. Wonderful Alternative Uses for Pumpkin!

Pumpkins are a classic symbol of fall, but did you know that there are many more uses for this vitamin rich fruit [yes it is technically a fruit!]? Well let us share with you our top three favorite alternative uses for pumpkin for this Tips and Tricks Monday!

Number One- D.I.Y. Pumpkin Face Mask

How does this mask benefit my skin?

Pumpkins are packed with antioxidants, zinc and many other enriching vitamins helping provide anti-aging effects and wrinkles all while gently exfoliating to give your skin a glowing radiance. Additionally the recipe below also includes honey, which is the perfect natural remedy for dry skin-which we all know can a very real side effect of chemotherapy.

Ingredients

• 1/4 Cup of Pumpkin
• One whole egg
• A few teaspoons of honey

Directions

1. Whisk together ingredients
2. Lather on face
3. Relax with Pumpkin mask on skin for 15-20 min

           Number Two- Combat Tummy Issues

How can pumpkin help with tummy issues?

Pumpkins are extremely high in fiber and can help remedy more urgent issues all while getting your system back on track. There are a multitude of ways to whip up this natural remedy, so find one that is right for you!

              Number Three- Pumpkin Butter

Butter is a household staple for almost every home--use this to your advantage to make your own butter by using the vitamin rich fruit! Check out this recipe we found from All Recipes website.

Ingredients

• 1 (29 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup apple juice
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1. Combine pumpkin, apple juice, spices, and sugar in a large saucepan; stir well.
2. Bring mixture to a boil. 
3. Reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes or until thickened. Stir frequently.
4. Transfer to sterile containers and chill in the refrigerator until serving.

What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger!

The saying "what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger" is well known. It's most likely something that every cancer patient and their families have heard from friends or anyone that you encounter and share your story. The saying is mostly true however, if you are in the middle of your treatment it can feel like the whole thing is well a lie! I know it is hard, but the statement is true, you will be stronger after this. It is something you have to keep looking for during and after treatment, but life will never be the same again, when you look around you will see what is possible in the world, the kindness in the world, and what love can do.

Hopefully Teen with a Dream can help with something during and after treatment so here is todays tip. When you need a break from the overwhelmingness listen to some music! Here is a song that I found helped me! Hope you all enjoy!

Spencer Harrison

Tips + Tricks to Chemo: Concealing and Keeping Your Ports Safe

Apart of being a pediatric cancer patients means you are forced to deal with lots of needles, which is why through the years doctors have created a tool that lessens the number of needle pokes a child will get by implanting either a "Right Atrial Catheter", "Central Line" or "Port". 

Whether you already have one, or know that it is is you treatment future, it is important to keep this very important "tool" germ-free, safe and comfortable. That is why today's Tips + Tricks to Chemo is all about working with this tool and making it is comfortable and stylish as possible. 

With Halloween around the corner there has never been a better time to invest in either creating your very own covers to cater your Halloween attire + costume OR order remade covers!

Check out the video below to see how to make your very own port covers!

If you are not in a hurry to get a port cover or if you just want to choose from pre-made options check out PICCZEES where you are sure to find a cover that fits your unique personality. 

Controlled Breathing Technique that Combats Nausea

We have had various of posts through out our blog surrounding the topic of nausea from teas to natural medicines, we know how overwhelming nausea can be and we want to provide you with a multitude of tips to help you control it.

Controlled deep breathing techniques has been clinically proven to help ease on coming nausea. So what do these techniques look like? Well it is fairly simple-lets take a look:

1. When a wave of nausea hits, make sure to get your self in a comfortable position
2. Close your eyes in order to avoid distractions from focusing on your breathing
3. Deeply inhale through your nose
4. Then, exhale completely through your mouth
5. Complete this at least three times and assess if your nausea has let up

If you are still feeling nauseous try this again but you may also try these techniques:

• Focus on a particular muscle group by tightening and releasing these muscles in a slow pattern while maintaining deep breaths as you complete this 
• Try raising your shoulders to your ears and slowly drop them into a relaxed position again while deeply breathing 
• Stand in an upright position with your arms relaxed by your side, slowly [we mean very slowly or this technique could have the opposite effect] begin to let your arms go towards the floor. Try to focus on breathing but also try to envision every vertebrae in your back opening and releasing as your finger tips make their way to your toes.

"Stronger": Inspirational Video from Seattle Children's Hospital

 Seattle Children’s Hospital hosted a video project showing cancer patients, parents, and staff lip synching and dancing to Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger.” The video went viral even catching the eye of the songs artist and Kelly Clarkson herself recorded a video message thanking the kids in the video for making her day.

As Cold Weather Comes, Dryness is Right Behind It..

Combat the side effects of the dryness cold weather brings by taking simple steps to maintain moisture in your life. Today lets look at the 10 benefits of owning a humidifier has provided by Dr. Frank Lipman..

1. Reduce risk of infections. Viruses and bacteria can’t travel as well in moist air. A humidifier could mean the difference between getting the flu this winter and remaining healthy.
2. Softer, more vibrant skin. Cold, dry air saps moisture from your skin, which causes all kinds of problems, including dryness, dullness, flaking, and accelerated aging. A humidifier can help prevent all these damaging effects, and help you maintain that glowing, vibrant look for all your holiday parties and get-togethers.
3. Comfortable sinuses. You know that dry, tight feeling you get in your nose in the winter? Even if you don’t have a cold (it’s worse when you do), winter air can dry out your sinuses, lowering your resistance to bacteria and viruses. Sleep with a humidifier and wake up with a more comfortable nose—and throat!
4. Faster healing times. Say you do end up with a cold, a sinus infection, or the flu. A humidifier will shorten your suffering. Keeping your nasal passages and your throat moist will help you heal faster, and will reduce symptoms like coughing and sneezing.
5. Healthier houseplants. Plants help pull toxins out of the air. But they can suffer in dry, winter air. Have you noticed that the soil is dryer than usual? Are the leaves looking droopy and sick? A humidifier can help keep your houseplants healthy—which helps keep you healthy, too!
6. Protected wood furnishings. Dry air can damage wood furniture, as well as moldings and doors, causing them to split and crack. A humidifier can help preserve the integrity of the wood, maintaining your pieces for years to come.
7. No growling morning voice. Do you often sound like a bear in the mornings? That’s dry air getting to your vocal cords. Sound more like your normal self when you sleep overnight with a humidifier in your bedroom!
8. Reduced heating bill. Did you know that moist air feels warmer than dry air? It’s true. If you add some moisture to the air, it will feel warmer, which can help you save on your heating bills this winter.
9. Fewer electric shocks. No one likes a static electricity shock—especially not the cat! But you may have noticed that in the winter, it’s harder to avoid it. That’s the dry air again. Use a humidifier and leave the lightning outside.
10. Improved sleep. If you or a partner snores, a humidifier may help. We tend to snore more if our sinuses and throats are dry. A moist environment also tends to feel warmer and more comfortable, which can encourage a good night’s sleep.

Antioxidant Overview and 3 ways to Increase Your Daily Antioxidant Intake

Yesterday we shared a wonderfully fall inspired recipe that is rich in antioxidants. For today, lets look over a few ways that you can easily increase your daily antioxidant intake-but first lets also review what antioxidants do and the benefits your body reaps when you have ensure a plentiful intake.

What is an antioxidant?

Antioxidants are both a naturally and man-made chemical compound which can donate electrons and counter act free radicals. Now what does this all really mean?

• Free Radicals are associated with serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease-therefore antioxidants are an important line of defense against these
• Antioxidants help repair damaged cells

Of course, considering the complex nature of antioxidants there are far more characteristics to them than what we have listed above and we encourage you to do a little further research into this.

11 Common Foods Fueled with Antioxidants

1. Small Red Bean
2. Wild Blueberries
3. Cranberry
4. Artichoke
5. Black Plum
6. Gala Apple
7. Prune 
8. Raspberry
9. Granny Smith Apple
10. Pecan 
11. Pinto Bean

3 Easy Ways to Increase Your Antioxidant Intake

• Be aware of how you prepare your food. The actual process in which we use to prepare our food everyday can have significant effects on the food's nutrients. According to MindBodyGreen, here are a few techniques that will help maintain your foods nutrients:
• Don’t peel
• Minimize chopping
• Don’t soak in water pre-cooking
• Cook quickly at a high heat rather than slowly on a lower heat
• Don’t cook in copper pots (this reduces the amount of vitamin C)
• Frozen veggies are good sources of antioxidants
• Steaming helps retain nutrients
• A Colorful Plate. Antioxidants provide color to food therefore ensuring a variety of colors on your plate will go a long way.
• Snack with a healthy mind. It is extremely easy to grab and snack on whatever is around you at the time--this can become even more of a challenge when you are constantly going back and forth for doctors appointments and treatment days--that is why it is important to snack healthy and take time ahead to prepare. Any of the foods listed above would be great antioxidant fueled snacks for the go

Tips & Tricks: Creating your Digital Medical Record Library

We are constantly surrounded by a digital world, technology is an essential aspect of our daily lives. You may have noticed a huge shift in medical records going digital at your doctors office--today we are going to share how YOU can keep your personal medical records in a digital format at home.


Why would creating a digitalized copy of my medical record be helpful?

• This record is always available when you need it--it may come in handy when you least expect it
• This record could help you keep track of everything in an organized manner and will assist in managing insurance claims, financials and other important information that external institutions may need
• This record is for you--write it out how you and your family would understand it

What information should I include in my record?

If you participated in our Summer Research Project you may already have the following information that would be needed in your digital record

• Diagnosis date
• Your specific cancer information including type and stage
• Copies of diagnostic test results
• Copies of blood counts or other treatment test results [organize by date]
• Complete treatment information 
• Full overview of medications and possible side effects
• Thorough analysis of side effects experienced [include causes if known other wise, keep a record of possible factors]

Additional Information that should be in your digital record

• Complete Doctor contact and treatment center information
• A big picture schedule, such as milestones you have discussed with the doctor. If you would like to take this a step further keep an updated digital schedule of appointments 
• Family health history 
• Emergency Contacts

Now that I have created my Digital Medical Record Library what should I do next?

• Make sure to save your record in multiple places such as transferring it to your mobile or tablet device for easy and portable access 
• Also make sure to save this record on a USB/Flash Drive 

DIY Sour Candy Spray.

One of our favorite tips at Teen with a Dream is to use Sour Candy to help with the test that chemotherapy leaves and also other medication you may be on during your treatment.

Here is a DIY video about how to make a sour candy spray,  it is bit easier on the mouth as no chewing is involved if you have some muscle pains.

Be sure to get your parents help and permission before you start this tip!

Changes in Hearing: Tips + Tricks to Chemo

One side effect from chemotherapy that you may not have heard about, is changes in hearing. Certain types of chemotherapy treatments can cause hearing loss. We have found an astounding overview of this side effect from Chemocare.

Lets take a brief look at Chemocare's Hearing Loss Summary...

What is hearing loss, and what is the relationship of hearing loss to chemotherapy?

• Hearing loss occurs as a result of many different things. Hearing loss may be associated with age, or as a result of certain chemotherapy treatments or medications. By the age of 75, many have some sort of hearing loss. 
• Many diseases can cause hearing loss. This includes Meniere's disease, an inner ear disease. 
• There are many different types of hearing loss. They may include: 
  • Presbycusis - This is a word that means "hearing loss." This is the normal loss of hearing and sound detection that comes with age. If you have presbycusis, it becomes harder to hear people if there is background noise. High-pitched sounds also become "muffled."  
  • Sensory hearing loss - occurs when there is a more central problem. Certain diseases, infections, or damage to the cells that help you to hear sounds may cause this.  
  • Conduction hearing loss - occurs as a result of a blockage in your ear. This may be from earwax, infection, a foreign body, or tumor. This can be resolved by treating the cause of the hearing loss.

Some common medications that cause hearing loss may include:

• Cisplatin chemotherapy 
• Diuretics or "water pills" such as furosemide (Lasix®), in high doses. 
• Antibiotics, such as gentamycin, tobramycin or streptomycin.  
• Ototoxicity is something that occurs after you have received medications that have caused you to lose your hearing, or feel dizzy.  Ototoxicity following the use of certain medications may be due to a long-term exposure to these drugs. Your risk for developing ototoxicity increases as the drug accumulates in your body.  
• Ototoxicity may also come from receiving high doses of an ototoxic drug at one time, which may damage certain cells in your inner ear. The hearing loss you experience as a result of medications may be irreversible.
• Things you can do to minimize hearing loss due to chemotherapy:
• It is important to notify your healthcare provider if you notice any change in the hearing loss you are experiencing.  Also, notify your healthcare provider if you have any loss of vision, dizziness, or if your symptoms become more severe, and do not improve.   
• If your hearing loss is caused by a build-up of wax, there are many over the counter eardrops available for you to use. Discuss this with your healthcare provider. 
• Tell people that you have trouble hearing sounds. Discuss ways for them to speak, so you can hear them more clearly. Some suggestions include: 
  • Tell them to speak slowly, and clearly, and not to shout. Shouting creates high-pitched sounds that could make it harder for you to hear what they are saying. 
  • Encourage the use of gestures, if you find it helpful.  
  • Many people have trouble hearing consonants. Tell them to enunciate, or pronounce their words more slowly and clearly.  
  • With severe hearing loss, lip reading and sign language may be helpful.
• Depending on the cause of your hearing loss, hearing aids may be useful to better your hearing. Hearing aids use an amplifier to pick up sound, and help to make sounds clearer. There are many forms of hearing aids available today. Seek assistance from a hearing aid specialist, who will help you to select the best kind of hearing aid, to suit your needs. 
• Even with hearing aids, it may still be difficult for you to understand what people are saying to you. If you do not understand someone who is speaking to you, ask him or her to clarify what is being said. Tell them what parts of the sentence you were able to understand.  
• If you have Meneire's disease, your doctor or healthcare provider may tell you to limit the amount of salt you eat in a day, and prescribe anti-nausea or anti-vertigo medications, along with a medication to help your body rid itself of salt and fluids. The goal is to decrease the pressure of your inner ear, and to control the dizziness you may be experiencing, in addition to the hearing loss    
• It is important to follow all the instructions your healthcare provides. 
• Make sure to keep all appointments.  
• Do not share your medications with anyone.

Check out the full article HERE

Tips + Trick to Chemo: Stregthen Your Nails

Chemotherapy has a multitude of potential side effects, one of which can be brittle nails. This can cause sensitivity or even pain. In order to cope with this change in physical health we would like to share a few tips with you--of course make sure to consult with your doctors to ensure which route is the best for you and your treatment plan.

Tips + Tricks to Naturally Stronger Nails

Vitamins to Stregthen Nails

• Biotin

Vitamins that can be directly applied to nails

• Coconut Oil 
• Argan Oil
• Vitamin E Oil

Foods that will help Strengthen Nails

• Gelatin
• Fruit & Veggies
• Meat 
• Beans 

Miscellaneous Tips

• Make sure that you are moisturizing your hands and nails on a regular basis in order to keep moisture in.
• Avoid taking long and hot showers or baths, as this will dry out skin and nails 
• Avoid bitting your nails at all cost
• Stay away from frequent polish changes due to the high levels of chemicals within nail polish and remover

Tip of the Day for Childhood Cancer Month.

This is a helpful tip for anyone, but particularly with children on treatment, it is an all natural way of helping heal and soothe your irritated skin. The secret is Chamomile! Place a Chamomile tea bag in hot water for one to two minutes and then place the bag in a bowel so that you can place it in the fridge. Apply the bag to skin that is red or irritated.

Chamomile actually has anti-inflammatory properties that helps skin to heal, a much needed tip for anyone going through cancer treatment.

Steps your Child Can Take to Prepare Themselves for High School

Saturday was the start of our High School Academic week and we focused on ways you, as the parent, can prepare your kids to transition into high school [with an emphasis on a child who is also a pediatric cancer patient].

Today, we would like to take a different perspective on this and share tips that your child themselves can take to make this transition a little easier...

1. Prepare yourself for a larger work load
2. Have a discussion with each of your teachers to ensure that you will be able to get your work in  on a timely matter even in the case of missed classes
3. Pair up with a classmate in each class that is willing to communicate what went on in these missed classes, and possibly even obtaining a copy of their notes
4. Challenge yourself academically in the sense of learning new things. Take an elective course that you may not have otherwise thought of taking. Learning knew skills will be beneficial for your mental state.
5. Make a goal to make one school sponsored event or game. Of course, consult with your doctor to ensure your counts and immune system are good to do so. 

What Middle School Teachers can Prepare for a Pediatric Cancer Patient Student

Last Monday, we shared a checklist for what teachers should know if one of their students is also a pediatric cancer patient. In addition to that list, we would like to share with you a checklist that is unique to middle school students.

Lets review general topics that teachers should know when one of their students is also a  pediatric cancer patient .....

1. What type of cancer they had and the side effects.2. Things to watch for medical and emotionally after all you do see the child for a large chunk of hours each day. 3. A plan for absences. 4. As teachers pushing children forward to learn is a big part of what you do, but cancer patients and cancer survivors can’t always be pushed because sometimes its a large issue that is holding them back, its important to ask and see what things effect them so that you know that line. 5. What are signs to look for that the child may need more help outside of the classroom6. Contact information to contact parents with the most amount of ease. 7. What goals/wants does the child want in their education.8. What are any rules and regulations your school/districts have on situations like this, and if they aren’t effective how to make them more effective. 9. Also ask questions you feel may better help you, cancer families at the point of reentry into school have spent 1,2,  or even 3 years dealing with this so they will be very knowledgeable on the patient side.

In addition, this checklist showcases topics unique to our middle school teachers and coping with a pediatric cancer patient ......

1. Typically, middle school teachers seek to reduce parent involvement to promote student's independence. For Pediatric cancer patients this may be a little trickier to balance as their child is going through an extremely traumatic experience as are the parents. That is why, as the teacher, you may want to initiate an elaborate discussion with the child's parents in order to map out a plan that both makes the parent comfortable all while promoting the student's independence. 
2. Peer pressure becomes more prevalent in middle school, therefore we would suggest to check in with [all students] but potentially have an extended conversation with a pediatric cancer patient student. Pediatric Cancer Patients are especially prone to depression and loneliness and would benefit from a caring conversation with their teacher.
3. Middle schools also tend to be much larger than elementary schools, therefore establish the best routes through out the school to ensure that this particular can make it around with ease due to the limitations that cancer can cause on a person's body.
4. Decide the best plan of action for absences and missed in class activities to ensure that this student is receiving the same amount of enriching education [even if it has to be at the hospital!]

What Teachers Should Know & Ask if Their Student is a Pediatric Cancer Patient [Elementary School Edition]

Teaching is one of the hardest jobs, but also one of the most joy filled. To impart knowledge and empower children to be strong individuals truly is an amazing talent and career. 

Here is a check list of things you should know if you have a child with cancer in your class. 

1. What type of cancer they had and the side effects.
2. Things to watch for medical and emotionally after all you do see the child for a large chunk of hours each day. 
3. A plan for absences. 
4. As teachers pushing children forward to learn is a big part of what you do, but cancer patients and cancer survivors can’t always be pushed because sometimes its a large issue that is holding them back, its important to ask and see what things effect them so that you know that line. 
5. What are signs to look for that the child may need more help outside of the classroom
6. Contact information to contact parents with the most amount of ease. 
7. What goals/wants does the child want in their education.
8. What are any rules and regulations your school/districts have on situations like this, and if they aren’t effective how to make them more effective. 
9. Also ask questions you feel may better help you, cancer families at the point of reentry into school have spent 1,2,  or even 3 years dealing with this so they will be very knowledgeable on the patient side.

A Message from our Founder [August Blog Preview]

Summer is almost over and it’s time to think about going back to school. For anyone going back to school is stressful, but for a current cancer patient or a post treatment cancer patient it brings a whole other wave of stress. Whether it is germs, dealing with doctors appointments and school, chemo brain, or general fatigue it is hard to deal with. 

Over the next coming weeks we will be giving some advice on how to communicate with teachers during and post cancer, advice on side effects of chemotherapy and school, and tips for getting through it all. From after school snacks, or what your teacher needs to know about being a cancer patient-we hope to be your Real Life Resource for going back to school. 

We have spoken to teacher in all age groups to find out the information they want to see and will also think about the information teachers should know about having a child with cancer in their class. For me personally, it was hard to go back to high school and deal with everything during my treatment. This was due to the fact that I was diagnosed a week before I started the 9th grade, and it was a rough road for me, so I hope in the month of August to help others with their journey. 


Spencer Harrison 
Cancer Survivor, Founder

Tip for telling your doctor how you are feeling.

Any cancer patient can tell you, seeing your doctor everyday or even just 2 days a week makes it seem like you are never apart, which means you may think that they know how you are feeling, however Doctors aren't mind readers so here is a tip to help your medical team out.

Keep notes or a journal at the ready so that if you start feelings badly or differently, you can write it down and then give the journal to the doctor or nurse when you go to the doctor or read it aloud for them to hear.

It can save you a lot of time and also you may catch something that they can help with.