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Enhancing the Lives of Nursing Home Residents One Volunteer at a Time

Why I’m Planning My Funeral

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planning my funeral

Don’t worry. I’m not dying. Yet, my recent cancer diagnosis prompted me to think about my mortality.

We’re treating my cancer aggressively, and I plan to be around for a long time. But there’s always the possibility that an unforeseen side effect of chemotherapy could suddenly take my life.

Or I could die of a heart attack, stroke, or some other acute illness unrelated to cancer. And, of course, any of us could die unexpectedly in an accident.

I hope you’ll consider these five reasons you may wish to pre-plan your funeral regardless of your age or health.

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My Review Of Meals On Wheels

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Woman delivering Meals on Wheels meal to elderly couple

When you imagine a Meals on Wheels recipient, who do you see? Perhaps it’s a frail, impoverished woman in her 90s who never leaves her house.

Think again! Many people who could benefit from Meals on Wheels hesitate to sign up because of preconceived false ideas. Today I plan to dispel some of those myths and encourage more people to explore this excellent program.

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A Big Thank You To My Blood Donors

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Arm of person donating blood

I started donating blood at age 16 when I worked as a nursing assistant at a nursing home. Over all the decades since then, I’ve continued to donate regularly, and I’ve encouraged others to do the same.

Yet, with each donation, I never considered the fact that I might be the recipient of someone else’s blood someday.

Last week that changed when chemotherapy caused my hemoglobin to drop to 6.9. (Normal levels are usually 12-15.) I felt exhausted, a bit lightheaded, and my brain felt like it was in a fog. So, I had to go to the hospital and receive two units of blood. The transfusions went well, and by the next morning, I already felt better.

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My Thoughts On The COVID Vaccine

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Person preparing a vaccination

Like many of you, I eagerly awaited the day when my turn came to receive the COVID vaccination. I found the cases of severe illnesses and deaths from COVID-19 frightening. And, since my job involves working with large numbers of people in the community, I knew I was at increased risk.

The day after my Moderna vaccination, I felt exhausted, and my temperature went up to 100.2. But the side effects only lasted a day, and I considered the discomfort well worth the COVID protection I received.

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My Experience With Going Bald

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Hands holding clump of hair and hairbrush

This month, I’ve added a new adventure to my cancer journey. I’m adjusting to the chemotherapy side effect of hair loss.

Why am I sharing this? Because I’ve learned a few lessons about being bald, and I’m hoping we can use these lessons to better support our residents who lose their hair during cancer treatments.

My experience

The nurse educator told me I might or might not lose my hair during chemo. So, I crossed my fingers and hoped this wouldn’t happen to me.

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