Hi, I’m Arlene Kalver and I’m a Stage IV Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma survivor. Here are the tips, tricks and products that helped me:

1. Chemo Port Access Shirt – The first thing I thought about having was a shirt that allowed easy access to my pic line for chemo treatments. I designed and made my own while in my hospital bed! That was a big help! There are lots more choices out there now, including this one from Amazon.

2. Cell Phone Lanyard Strap – Another thing I found helpful was getting a strap for my cellphone so I could be sure that it was always within reach. Sometimes I’d wear it as a lanyard and other times like a shoulder strap. This tamed my anxiety to know it was accessible when I needed it…especially when I was alone. 

3. Walker – My cancer treatment was complicated since the cancer spread and affected my Central Nervous System. I could only walk with assistance and that is still the case after 10 years without any sign of cancer. The point I’m trying to make is don’t be embarrassed by having to use a walker or cane. You are not any less of a person because you need help. As my mother might have said, “don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.”

4. Shower Chair – Another item that was of great help was a shower chair. I had handicapped grip bars for the shower (and highly recommend those, too) but I simply could not stand that long to get the job done. It helped me get in and out of the shower safely. There are different styles including ones with chair backs, ones without, some with a section on the outside of a tub so you can slide over to the inside. At a certain point in my recovery I switched from the chair to a shower stool. I’m physically stronger now and the small stool is easier for me to maneuver. Also, a hand held shower head with a long hose makes showering so much easier! Remember, having peace of mind, and feeling safe are very important! 

5. Door Handle Assist – We have steps to get up and down to both the front and back doors. I use my cane to navigate the steps. Naturally a walker is not going to help with this. We purchased a handle that screwed into the door frame at the top of the stairs. It folds upward so it is out of the way of other people. Mine came with long screws so the handle has the support it needs for your safety. Since mine were installed correctly, I don’t worry that it will break off.