Getting Ready For Guests

The holidays are upon us but that is not the only time we entertain and are invited to multiple events. As lung cancer patients, we must be very careful about several things. Not exposing ourselves to those with colds, not overdoing it and taking care of ourselves first. Let's face it, we can't take care of others if we cannot move off the couch. We need to be prepared for the upcoming busy times in our lives and make a decision as to how we are going to handle it.

Get plenty of rest

First and foremost, allow plenty of time for you to have rest. This is the most important. If you're not rested you can't keep up with your schedule and of course, your immune system is in worse shape than ever. Try your best not to schedule back to back events. And think clearly about how long each event will last. A party that lasts until midnight and then you have family coming to dinner the next day may be a feat compared to climbing a mountain.

Keeping track of it all

For example, for Thanksgiving, which for once is not at my home, I have been asked to make three different things. None very difficult but time consuming. A lot of time in the kitchen, over the stove, and cleaning up. I usually try to divide things like this among two to three days. I don't want to spend Wednesday in the kitchen all day only to fall asleep at my son's home the next day. Clear and precise planning.

Make a list or keep a calendar of everything you have/want to do and every event you have coming up. This makes it much easier for planning.

That is why my calendar is so important. For years I tape a desk calendar to my freezer. It stares me right in the face and I cannot ignore it. It helps that it shows "clumps" of events at which time I have to stand and think, what can I reasonably accomplish.

Don't be afraid to say "no"

I know this sounds like common sense but even after over four and a half years, I still finding myself saying yes to everything. My brain thinks I can still do it but my body knows better. As one of my children frequently reminds me - "there is a word called NO." Do I listen to her? Absolutely not. After all, I'm still Mom. To seven children and grandma to three.

I don't want to let my family down but there comes a time when it is imperative to keep my health at the forefront - that is your job - YOU FIRST.

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 28, 2020, Jennifer Toth passed away. Jennifer was a passionate advocate for the Lung Cancer community. She will be deeply missed.