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I've been right where you are now! Learning about my
wife's Stage IV Gastric Cancer, and a few months later my own Small Cell
Lung Cancer diagnosis. Wondering how to handle the
devastating news, what to do next, where to look for
help, and more.
You most likely did not hear about me or this book from
anyone in the medical profession - not your doctors,
nurses, or hospitals. None of them are willing to step
up and recommend this book to you, the person who
needs it. The reason is simple
- they all see me as an
'outsider' and won't risk the 'liability' of endorsing a book written by a non-medical person to help other people. Only a small handful of medical professionals have ever mentioned this book to their patients.
This book is a well kept secret in medical circles!
The Accidental Caretaker was written following months of frustration, while I searched for information on how to cope with the myriad of tasks related to patient care, not the least of which is managing drugs and appointments.
FACT – The National Cancer Institute predicts over 1.4 million new cases per year.
FACT – The Institute of Medicine predicts over 1.5 million medication errors per year.
FACT – Heroes are not born with supernatural powers, spandex outfits, or capes — that only happens in comic books, movies, and television.
Real heroes are everyday people who step up to extraordinary challenges like the firefighters, policemen, emergency medical technicians, service men and women, and other ordinary people we all saw back on September 11, 2001, and in many other situations since.
No capes, no spandex outfits, no super powers — most of them just regular people stepping up to do a job. A job by the way they never asked for, yet they risked life and limb to help total strangers!
This Is YOUR Chance To Be A Real Hero Too!
My book will help you become the hero you can be, and show you how to deal with the enormous job of battling cancer.
Not just another story about the cancer battle — this is a practical guide to help you avoid medication errors, track and manage drugs, chemo and radiation treatments, and so much more.
We all need help at different times in our lives. Right now you're looking for help because you probably said those very words below...
"Oh My God, It's Cancer"
When the doctor said, "It's Cancer!" those words likely flashed like lightning through your mind. Like me, you may have blurted them out loud without realizing it!
In the blinding light of reality you began wondering, “How can I deal with this life threatening news? What questions should I ask? Where can I find help? ”
Chances are you just became an 'Accidental Caretaker' as I did, and feel like a deer caught in the headlights of an on rushing truck! Regardless whether the patient is you, a spouse, child, brother, sister, parent, or friend — you will be able to deal with it. I did and I know you can too!
I Understand How You Feel...
Right now you're probably emotional and overwhelmed by the diagnosis, unanswered questions, wondering what to do next, and feel helpless!
You came here looking for help, seeking answers.
Get Your Hard Copy or
PDF e-book Right Now!
No Registration or Sign Up is needed.
Maybe you were referred here by a
family member or friend — Anyone who wants
to
provide as much help as possible. Or you may have found this site
in a web search, and are curious about The Accidental Caretaker. You can order
the hard
copy or e-Book here.
Perhaps you came here for the FREE Weekly Appointment & Medication Forms. Keeping track
of medications is critical for you and your patient.
You can get the Forms here.
This is NOT a time to despair — No time for that now!
Now is the time when you have to . . .
Tell yourself, "Get Over It!"
Step up to the Challenges.
Find 'How To' resources.
Become the HERO!
You CAN do this — You know it and I know it too!
Wishing you the best, The Accidental Caretaker Battling MY Cancer for the Love of LIFE!
Will This Book Help You?
This book will inspire you, and give you the tools to fight this
terrifying, challenging battle. Read a little more then decide.
I've Walked This Road
I unexpectedly became an 'Accidental Caretaker' the day my wife was diagnosed with Stage IV Gastric Cancer. A few months later, I too was diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Cancer, leading me to the challenge of caring not only for my dying wife, but also for myself.
FACT: The most frequent medical mistakes are medication errors. Medication errors include all mistakes involving prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins, minerals, or herbal supplements. Not all mistakes lead to injury or death, but the estimated preventable injuries that occur every year is
at least 1.5 million.
Yes, it has happened to me! There I was waiting on my medication, meanwhile the doctors written order passed through the hands and eyes of 4 separate people before it was given to me. I didn't check the drug to see what specific drug it was - bad plan! The drug had passed under 4 sets of eyes, through 4 sets of hands, and now had been given to me. It was the WRONG drug! A total of 5 people had the chance to check and verify the drug, yet no one questioned it. Fortunately for me there were no bad side effects. This sort of trusting attitude can create serious problems. It's up to you to ensure you or your patient receives the correct drugs, the ones the doctor ordered.
One of your biggest challenges is tracking and managing medications. Besides the drugs used for chemotherapy there are many, many other drugs used in a cancer battle, given to patients at home — far too many to trust to memory!
Your doctor will track the prescriptions given to you, and tell you which ones cannotbe given together due to adverse side effects. But your doctor doesn't administer or manage the drugs...
You Must Track The Drugs At Home!
In just 1 week during our two cancer battles, I had to manage 16 appointments, and keep track of 38 daily medications! That week my wife had 7 appointments and 23 daily medications, while I had 9 appointments and 15 daily medications. 38 Drug Doses X 7 Days = 266 Doses for One Week!
Waaay Too Many Drug Doses To Rely On Your Memory!
You might think with all the press about cancer, there would be plenty of 'How To' information resources. Some articles suggest you create spreadsheets or word documents to manage medications. The problem is many people don't know how to create and effectively use those forms.
SOLUTION: You Don't Have To Create The Forms —
They Are FREE Even If You Don't Buy The Book.
After months of juggling calendars, word documents, spreadsheets, hand written notes, appointment printouts, prescription drug instructions, and finding very little practical 'How To' information about managing and tracking drugs for the patient, I created a single page Form to manage all of the Appointments & Medications for each of us.
One Patient — One Page — One Week
This highly effective Form allows you to track and manage all the Appointments & Medications for one patient for one week all on a single page.
The Form spans 7 days with 5 - Appointment lines, 5 - Non-Daily Drugs, 25 - Daily Drugs, and 4 - PRN (As Needed) Drugs, all on a single 8.5" x 11" page. It makes managing all the Appointments and tracking Medications as easy as checking off the drugs as they are taken by the patient. You know what Appointments are coming up, when Medications are due, and have a complete record for the week to keep with your patient files. This one page Form is invaluable when you visit a new doctor, and especially if you have to go to an Emergency Room!
This One Page Form will give you the confidence of knowing and accurately tracking all the drugs you or your patient are taking. You will have the peace of mind that comes from avoiding risky medication mistakes, and any doctor you or your patient may visit will truly appreciate having the information available.
I wrote this book drawing on my own experiences to help other non-medically trained people, and included the Weekly Appointment & Medication Forms as a FREE bonus.
The Accidental Caretaker was written by a husband who became an accidental caretaker, has walked–the–walk, talked–the–talk, been side–by–side with his wife in the chemo chairs, and
survived by the grace of God.
The book will help you deal with the challenges of battling cancer
for a loved one, yourself, or both.
Most of the booklets and articles focus on talking with children, parents, spouses, etc, and how to deal with the religious and emotional sides of this battle. You're probably better prepared to deal with those issues than providing patient care on a daily basis.
Your #1 Priority is patient care. When you're 'in the trenches' you NEED to know 'HOW TO' track medications, avoid mistakes, and perform many other tasks instead of worrying about the philosophical, religious, and emotional sides of the issues. You can always consider those things in a quiet moment.
The Accidental Caretaker Explains...
How to Manage and Track Medications, and why it's CRITICAL. The book explains how to use the FREE Weekly Appointment & Medication Forms to avoid medication mistakes.
Why Patient Medical Records are so important, and what copies you need. Know which ones to ask for and keep at home.
Why you MUST be the Patient's Advocate, even if YOU are the patient.
People can and do make mistakes, don't let it happen to you!
How to talk with Doctors, Nurses, and Home Care Providers. Why it's different from talking with family and friends.
What to take, and expect in an Emergency Room. Having the right information could save your patient's life!
Why Family and Friends are vital to your success. You will need their help — Accept it when it's offered and be thankful for it.
Why it's a Bad Idea to pay medical bills as soon as you receive them! Have you ever tried to get a refund after you paid a medical bill?
What information you need, when, and how to start a Disability Claim. The more you know, the easier it will be — Waiting periods are required.
Why everyone needs a Healthcare Power of Attorney, and a Last Will & Testament. Have someone who can make decisions for you, and make sure your "stuff" goes where you want it to go.
What Resources can help you find more information. Many are in the book, even more are located here on the web site.
What Others Are Saying
“The Accidental Caretaker is not just a story about a man caring for his dying wife and then getting hit with a potentially curable cancer but now incurable as it stands today. This book is a practical rendition of do’s, don'ts, how’s, when, why of caring for loved ones with cancer including yourself. Read it and chuckle. Read it and cry a little. It will do you all some good.” — Gena Volas-Redd, MD, Oncology and Hematology, Georgia Cancer Specialists
"Finally! Bill Dillard writes with honesty and a light heart as he openly shares his journey. Sadly, each of us will be called in our lifetimes to become, The Accidental Caretaker. Until now, there has been nothing of substance to direct the caretaker through the maze of unending tasks. Being prepared brings confidence unmeasured. Caretakers around the globe will thank Bill for writing this book!" — Pam Paugh, Friend, and Fellow Caretaker
“Clear, straightforward, and informative... an excellent reference guide for anyone going through a long term illness.” — Elizabeth Everidge, Radiology Technologist RT (R) (CT) (MR), High Point Regional Health System
"I read this twice. I am struck by the relating of an experience in such a way as to provide both emotional support and constructive solutions to tough problems. I think it’s very important to get this information into the hands of people facing these decisions... GREAT JOB!” — Wynne Neeley, RN, Northside Hospital–Cherokee
Order The Accidental Caretaker Now
Get The Knowledge You Need, Step Up To The Challenges,
— Become The Hero For A Loved One, Yourself, Or Both!
Order a Hard Copy or e-Book Right Now!
Either Choice Is Less Expensive Than A Visit To Your Doctor!
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You don't have to take my word for any of this! Maybe you're wondering about those numbers? Feel free to visit any of the links below.
Press release from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies dated July 20, 2006
reports an estimated 1.5 million medication errors per year.
National Cancer Institute 1 of every 2 people you meet will be diagnosed with cancer during their lives,
and 1 couple in every 6 will both have cancer during their lifetimes.
SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results) database, a world of statistics about cancer.
Compared to the general population, cancer survivors have a 14 percent higher risk of
developing a new malignancy. See the NCI web site, News — BenchMarks, Volume7, Issue 1
dated January 24, 2007.
