You Can Do This by Beverlye Hyman-Fead,
author of I Can Do This: Living with Cancer

Beverlye's Bio

None of us want to go to the hospital; but, if we have to go, here are some tips that will ease the pain (no pun intended). If you are going to be in the hospital for a couple of days or more, did you know you can bring your own sheets and pillow cases and, yes, your favorite pillow? You would be surprised how that would make you feel at home. You can luxuriate in your own things and pretend you're in your own place.

The doctor is in charge of diagnoses and suggesting treatment, then it's up to you, your team and your doctor to decide together if this is the right treatment for you. I was very lucky to get to Dr. Charles Forscher, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles , a kind and thoughtful man. I had already been to three doctors, all with the pronouncement of two months if I did not do the rigorous treatment I described earlier. He was the first one to think of going into my old charts of a cancer I had had twelve years prior and suggesting that perhaps cells had slipped into my abdomen from my uterus. They had. That meant I had hormone-receptive cancer opening me up to whole new treatments. Therefore, when he sent me to my next appointment with Dr. Frederick Eilber, he was able to prescribe an experimental treatment of hormone blockers (ie: Lupron and Femara), and it all made sense to me. But first he needed to go before the Tumor Board to approve my treatment. I was hoping for a miracle, and got it when they approved my treatment. I took my first shot of Lupron the next day and never looked back.

Have someone bring you your own bedclothes, too. Unless it's 100% necessary for the nurses to get into your body at all times, definitely have your own P.J.'s or oversized t-shirts. Also, bring your own cotton or chenille robes. It makes you feel so cozy.

Now, here is the most important tip of all. You don't have to eat hospital food all the time. Have someone bring in food for you. You don't have to have it brought in for every meal, but try to have surprises brought in, a couple of times a week at least. It will really pick you up. Ask for a sandwich at lunch or a dessert at dinner, or even a whole dinner, you deserve it. It is something to look forward to. You can also ask for a small refrigerator in your room for the leftovers.

If you get flowers from friends, send them to the children's ward. It will be so much fun for the child, and more air in the room for you. The biggest hope, of course, is that you never have to go to the hospital. But, if you do, remember these small tips. It will help. I promise

Address on the web: beverlyehymanfead.com