patientadvocate

Helpful Guidelines to Improve Your Chemotherapy Experience: Tips for Comfort and Support

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 06:10:16 GMT

When I went through chemotherapy, I made a very long list of the essential items I thought I needed. Although some cancer web sites have information related to this subject, I found that the lists did not always cover the full spectrum of needs that can really improve comfort during treatment.

Everyone’s experience with chemotherapy is so personal, and having a list that’s tailored to your specific needs and preferences makes a big difference. My idea was to create a more comprehensive list based on my personal and work experiences as it can address a wide range of comfort and emotional support needs for each person.

My list is organized it into categories for easier reference. Since chemotherapy sessions can be long and challenging, it is important to bring items that will help you stay comfortable, entertained, and supported during your sessions.

Reaching out to the chemotherapy center beforehand can help you feel more prepared and less anxious. You can ask about things like what to bring, any specific instructions for the day of your treatment, or if there are any side effects you should expect. It is also a good opportunity to clarify any logistical details, like parking or how long the treatment might take.

USEFUL ITEMS TO BRING TO CHEMOTHERAPY ORGANIZED INTO SECTIONS:

Practical items to bring with you:

Write down the name, address and phone number of the place where you will have treatment.
Bring a list of questions for your nurse or physician.

COMFORT & PERSONAL CARE

Comfortable clothing: It can get very cold during your treatment. Loose, warm layers, along with a scarf or blanket.
Assistive devices: Glasses for reading, hearing aids or mobility equipment ( a cane, walker…).
Head warmth: A scarf and/or beret to keep your head warm.
Body warmth: Consider bringing an extra sweater or sweatshirt.
Socks: Warm socks are important and will enhance your comfort.
Pillow/Blanket: A small pillow for your head or back. My chemotherapy was given in a basement that was very cold. I brought an electric blanket that I found made me very comfortable.
Liquids: Staying hydrated is important. You may want to bring your own filtered water or your own mug and tea bags or a thermos of coffee. Some individuals prefer peppermint tea to relax their stomach or ginger tea to prevent an upset stomach.
Snacks: Non-perishable snacks like nuts, saltines, a hardboiled egg, peanut butter on bread or protein bars-low in sugar for energy. For long chemo sessions, it may be a good idea to bring a sandwich or yogurt.
Lip balm: Chemotherapy can dry out your lips. I did not have an issue with dry lips, but this may be helpful to bring along.
Hand sanitizer: For hygiene.
Tissues: For any unexpected runny nose or tears.
Moisturizer: To help with dry skin, often a side effect of chemotherapy. I applied this at home after my treatments.

ENTERTAINMENT & DISTRACTION

Reading: Books, magazines, I-pad, i—phone or tablet help the pass the time. These devices can also be used to watch movies, watch TV programs or to play games.
Music/Headphones: Ear Pods can create a calming environment as you listen to your favorite tunes. Relaxation CDs that you have downloaded to your phone or I-pad.
HINT: Many times, you may need to download CDs or movies to your i-pad and phone due to poor connectivity. This is a question you can ask your chemotherapy center.
Notebook/journal: For jotting down thoughts, questions for your doctor, or keeping track of side effects.
Chargers: Bring all chargers that go with your electronics

COMFORT AND MEDICATION

Medication: Any pain relievers, nausea meds, or other prescriptions as prescribed by your doctor. O-T-C medications for headaches or discomfort associated with your treatment that have been approved by your physicians.
Metallic taste: Chewing gum or mints may help with any metallic taste or nausea. Ginger mints and/or tea can help with nausea.
Cold packs/heat packs: May decrease muscle soreness and help if you get a headache.

BOOK AND/OR A JOURNAL WITH A PEN OR PENCIL

Support person: If possible, consider bringing a friend or family member to help with transportation and offer emotional support. (I had a head cap called a Penguin Cap) for all my treatments to decrease hair loss.) There was an assigned person that I paid, who took care of the work involved so I chose not to have any additional individuals in my room, which worked out well for me.
Emergency contact numbers: Have your doctor’s number and a trusted person’s contact information on hand.

DON’T FORGET:

To ask the facility what type of Identification you need to bring to your treatments
Bring a large bag i.e. a duffel bag or backpack to carry everything.
Put your items together ahead of time, so you are as relaxed as possible on the day of your treatment.

You may find that you want to adjust what you bring after the first treatment, but hopefully with this list, you will feel prepared. Bringing the right items can help make your chemotherapy experience more manageable and even a bit more comfortable and may decrease your stress.

Linda Winkler Garvin, MSN

Health Advocacy & Consulting

President & Founder, Patient Advocate Bay Area, Inc.

Ambassador & Advocate for The Clearity Foundation

STS Program for OCRA

Writer for Brighter Magazine

The Importance of Early Detection in Ovarian Cancer: Linda’s Story

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 06:01:44 GMT

California Fines Health Insurer for Mishandling Complaints of Delayed, Denied Claims

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 23:50:00 GMT

KQED Interview with Linda Winkler Garvin
December 17, 2024

By Katie DeBenedetti

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield office building in Woodland Hills, California, on July 7, 2022. The health insurer has paid a $3.5 million fine for failing to handle more than 10,000 member complaints in a timely manner over a two-year period, state officials said.

As national scrutiny of health insurance intensifies, California officials have fined Anthem Blue Cross $3.5 million for mishandling member complaints over coverage denials and other issues.

The fine stems from the company’s failure to handle more than 10,000 complaints from its members in a timely manner over a two-year period, according to the state’s Department of Managed Health Care. Patient care advocate Linda Winkler Garvin said such behavior can be medically dangerous for patients and strain their mental health as well.

“It affects their life because many people — whether they [have] cancer or have chronic diseases or an acute problem — need that authorization as soon as possible and within those required days,” she told KQED. “It’s deleterious to their health to not get these on time.”

DMHC began investigating Anthem Blue Cross, also known as Blue Cross of California, after the company reported a large number of late acknowledgment and resolution letters. These are sent when a patient files a complaint, otherwise known as an appeal or grievance, after receiving a denial for health care services they requested or dealing with another delay or modification to their care.

California law requires companies to acknowledge receiving the complaint within five days, but DMHC found that between July 2020 and September 2022, Anthem did not send acknowledgments of 11,670 member grievances within that window. More than 1,600 were not acknowledged for more than 51 days.

Anthem also failed to resolve grievances and issue a written resolution within the standard 30-day window in many cases. More than 4,000 resolution letters were sent out late, including 1,630 after more than 51 days.

Garvin said that there are many cases in which getting timely responses from health insurers is imperative.

Patients who need medications to treat chronic or mental health conditions could lose progress if they are no longer able to get them covered by insurance.

“If there’s periods of weeks or days that the individual or the patient does not get that treatment because it’s delayed authorization, it just exacerbates the problem,” she said.

There are also acute injuries or cancer diagnoses that require time-sensitive procedures.

Plus, waiting on hold, following up on delayed claims or trying to get an explanation for why a claim was denied can be extremely stressful and frustrating for patients.

“It affects them physically and emotionally,” Garvin said. “I’m talking to people, and they’re calling 12 times, 20 times and many times, people don’t get back to them. If they do, they say there’s a delay and don’t give a particular reason.”

“It puts patients through an ordeal they should not have to go through,” she continued.

Anthem said it has collaborated with DMHC to address the matter and takes member concerns seriously. DMHC said the company has paid the fine.

“As part of our commitment to improving the member experience, we’ve made meaningful updates to our grievance and appeals process and invested in advanced system enhancements,” an Anthem Blue Cross spokesperson said. “These changes are designed to simplify the health care journey and better serve our members.”

What to do with a New Cancer Diagnosis

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 23:36:00 GMT

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2020 was a lousy year. First, Covid-19 hit in March, quickly shutting the world down. Then in October, out of the blue, I was diagnosed with stage 2 ovarian cancer, shutting down my own world. Before this time, as a nurse with 35 years of experience, I was aware that ovarian cancer often impacts many women of all backgrounds and is difficult to treat effectively. Despite knowing the facts, it never occurred to me that I would ever be one of those people.

Prior to my diagnosis, I would characterize my health as excellent. I had been a physically active woman for the last 50 years, eating a healthy diet and weighing in at the same weight I was at 18 years of age. Like so many others diagnosed with cancer, I was completely shocked to receive this news.

Knowing how difficult it is to deal with overwhelming medical news, I decided to write an article that I hope is helpful when confronted with a cancer diagnosis.

How to Proceed Forward with A Cancer Diagnosis

When I was initially diagnosed, I found that, I needed to identify a “Care Partner” and/or a “Professional Health Advocate” to work with me. A care partner is someone who helps another individual. This individual/s may consist of one or more friends or relatives that can help a person newly diagnosed with cancer in several different ways. It can also be two or three special individuals who are interested in helping you and all of them can be considered care partners. In my situation my care partner was my husband.

A patient advocate has the capacity to visualize how each aspect of care needs to be connected and in what way. A health advocate can communicate your health care needs to the medical team, help solve the pieces of the puzzle and provide necessary and customized health information. Their backgrounds can vary from an experienced former nurse or social worker, to someone who has taken classes at a university. A professional health advocate, can be hired on an hourly basis to help you navigate your cancer journey.

For clarification, the use of the word they refers to a health advocate and/or a care partner. Who can play a vital role in navigating your healthcare. Here are some ways they can assist:

Advocacy: In situations where you might feel overwhelmed, they can speak to your medical team on your behalf to ensure your needs and preferences are addressed.
Research and Information Gathering: They can help gather information about medical conditions, treatments, and specialists, ensuring you are well-informed.
Emotional Support: They offer reassurance and companionship during stressful times, helping you cope with anxiety or uncertainty.
Appointment Management: They can assist in scheduling appointments and take you to your appointments.
Decision-Making Assistance: They can help you weigh the benefits and risks of different treatment options.
Available Resources: They can connect you with support groups, community resources, or additional services that may be beneficial.

Knowledge is Power

Understanding your diagnosis is crucial for making informed decisions about your care. Here are some tips for approaching your research effectively:

Start with Trusted Sources: Organizations like the National Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic, and the American Cancer Society offer credible, evidence-based information.
Focus on Your Specific Diagnosis: Look for materials that address your specific condition, as treatment and management can vary widely.
Understand Treatment Options: Research different treatment modalities, including standard treatments and emerging therapies, to explore what might be best for you.
Clinical Trials: Investigating clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments and additional support.
Beware of Misinformation: Be cautious of information from unverified sources, especially on social media, as it can be misleading.

Consider getting a second or third opinion.

You may want to consider another opinion to confirm your diagnosis and treatment plan to ensure it is accurate and appropriate. Another physician may have a different approach or insight that could lead to better options. A second opinion may also provide some reassurance on what you have been informed.

Based on your research and information from your second opinions, you can discuss these findings with your healthcare team. This can foster collaborative discussions and ensure all your questions are addressed.

Type up an Agenda for each Physician Appointment

A written or typed agenda will help keep you focused and make sure all your questions are answered, while guiding you through the items you need to discuss. My success on getting questions answered was dependent on my preparation. If you conduct your medical appointments like a business meeting it will help you take control of your appointment. Not only does it demonstrate your commitment to participate in your care, it reminds you of the agenda items you wish to discuss.

My patients have benefited from writing a list of benefits and risks for each treatment recommended and reviewing the list with members of their medical team, along with family members so they can make the best decisions.

Post Treatment Support

Transitioning after cancer treatment can be a profound journey, and it is essential to be kind to yourself and take the time you need to adjust. Support from your friends and loved ones will be needed at this time. This period will be different for each person and may be ongoing. Learn about Survivorship by educating yourself about what to expect post-treatment. Resources from organizations like the American Cancer Society or The National Cancer Institute can be helpful.

Embracing the mindset of a survivor can indeed empower individuals facing a cancer diagnosis. It fosters resilience and encourages proactive changes that contribute to both physical and mental well-being. Focusing on what you can control—like lifestyle changes, support systems, and positive thinking—can make a significant difference in your journey.

Since navigating life after cancer treatment can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, it is normal to feel a mix of relief, anxiety or sadness after your treatment is completed. Speaking with a professional can help you process your experiences and feelings. In addition, getting connected with a support group can provide comfort and understanding when others have gone through similar experiences.

Focusing on a nutritious diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and lean proteins can be helpful. I consulted with a nutritionist which I found to be very beneficial. Engaging in regular exercise tailored to your ability can help improve your mood and physical health.

It’s now 2024 and things are looking brighter. Covid-19, for the most part has been downgraded to a flu like disease and I am free of cancer.

I was fortunate enough to get an early diagnosis and early treatment. By taking an active role in your cancer care, you can feel more empowered and engaged in your treatment journey. My background as a registered nurse and currently as a health advocate have shown me how informed and engaged individuals with cancer can feel when they are part of the decision-making process.

Cancer often acts as a wake-up call, prompting us to reflect on our priorities and what truly matters. Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment can boost resilience and improve overall well-being. Whether it is spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or exploring new passions, embracing what you love can make a significant difference in your outlook.

Linda Winkler Garvin, MSN
Health Advocacy & Consulting
President & Founder, Patient Advocate Bay Area, Inc.
Ambassador & Advocate for The Clearity Foundation
E-mail: lindawgarvin@gmail.com
Phone: (510) 520-0186

The Importance of Early Detection in Ovarian Cancer

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 21:15:00 GMT

“Ovarian cancer is a serious and potentially deadly disease.”