Principles of Medical Ethics 

Before You Donate

Think very seriously before donating to any breastcancer organization, or fundraising program until you read their Annual Report to see who their top contributors are, and if they have a product that appears frequently in the message the organization sends to the public. That would be unethical and its illegal. The same applies to a request that the public buys products, but does not receive a "donor receipt" for tax-deductible purpose. Read any and all food labels that breastcancer "non-profits" are promoting to raise money. Some organizations tell the public to help them raise money by asking you to visit their websites, but that only gives them "hits" to increase their sponsors.

Another tip, "signing" an online Petition is not acceptable, so don't fall for such antics. An ethical non-profit, or professional will not request your visit to their website, nor use "cookies" placed on your computer when you visit their site.

Purchase the Breastcancer Postage Stamp, the Post Office will always give you your charitable deduction receipt. Its a valid form of fund raising.

 

VISITORS & HELPERS

This is a list someone wrote for me, and put up on my refrigerator, so I thought I would share it with you.  Each person's will be different.

  • Be careful - there is a 1:10 bleach & water solution at the kitchen and bathroom sinks that she has to use after hand washing when her *white counts are down (usually 2nd week after chemo). DO NOT empty these containers, and do not get bleach on silverware in the kitchen—it will ruin it (not stainless steel however).
        • Wash your hands frequently, too.
        • None of her dishes can go in a microwave.  Please use a paper plate, or waxed paper & cover items. Do not reuse plastic dishes that frozen foods came in—they get thrown out and usually have a warning label: "Not for re-use," on them.
        • Bed linens are in the bottom drawer of the dresser in her bedroom (or by the dryer in the utility room). Twin sheets can be used by visitors for overnight stays, and for sofa, too.
        • Towels, etc. are in rolled in the basket in the bathroom, and in cabinet over the commode, with fresh bars of soaps, toothpaste, and other things you may need for yourself, if you stay overnight.
  • For about 8 days after each Chemo it  may only be possible to push frozen juice sticks, gelatin, and tiny, frequent sips of liquids, over crushed ice (like Gatorade), about every 15 minutes (DON'T take a large glass of anything to her...she gets sick).
      • Security alarm must be on when you leave her alone at night. Leave the portable phone with her.
      • If she is asleep, do not wake her for the telephone for any reason.
      • CancerCare book provided by her oncologist is helpful to read.
      • Medical Team "nurses" may come (IVs), make them wash their hands first!!
      • Medications: She has to take certain medications daily—no exceptions!!  If she cannot take them, call her doctor. If she can get others down, she optionally takes 200 mg. Selenium, and Vits C, E, and 2 multi vites. About Day 8, Prilosec  or something similar approved by her Oncologist, may be needed for "heartburn." ! It stops the burning, fast!  Her anti-nausea meds are written on refrigerator (above), and must be followed to the hour!  If she is ill, dehydrated, "foggy," she can't take any meds or drink, call her Oncologist's office, day or night!  Supervise and record all medications. All meds are in the wicker basket on her desk.
      • *When her white count drops (2nd. week) she cannot have any fresh fruits/vegetables/cheeses/plants/raw foods/fish in the house/raw
      • At that time, she has little resistance against infections, so no children visiting unless they stay 6' away from her (she knows!). To judge 6 feet, its about a baby's crib distance away.  And, NO coughing around her.
      • Her oncologist is very responsive and so are his partners...don't be afraid to call them.
      • Other treatment items for mouth sores, etc. are in the cabinet over the commode.(she saw her DDS prior to chemo-- he ordered a pre-chemo program for her).
      • Plastic trash bags are under sink and in garage on top of box on your right.
      • Dumpster is left out the front door, down the walk, turn right, and go to curb.
      • Vacuum's in front closet; broom, etc. in utility room.
      • Telephone list of people willing to come/run errands is on the left side of refrigerator.
      • Please leave a list/notes here for the next person.

PHONE #s: .

Oncologist #s:
    North Office (Mon P.M.s)
    Other:
    Service (after hours):

Daughter #1 (closest):

Hospital #s:

Townhouse Office:

____________________________________________________________________________

Back

 

         rev 12/07/05