When you are diagnosed with lung cancer, you can feel overwhelmed very quickly. There are appointments to attend and information to process as well as potentially, feeling unwell.
On top of all this, you may also start to worry about your other personal business such as:
- Your bank accounts
- Gas and electricity bills
- Family responsibilities
- Already-booked holidays
- Your job
- Writing a will.
This is a lot to deal with and can significantly impact on both your physical and mental health and wellbeing. That is why it is a good idea to get organised and put your affairs in order.
Simon’s story
When Simon Tilling was diagnosed with lung cancer, he made sure he updated his Will and put all financial agreements and insurance policies into his wife’s name.
“It’s about trying to prevent her from encountering any problems or causing her any further stress or upset. I want to make things as easy as possible for her when I’m gone.
I know many people may feel quite distressed at the prospect of doing all this. Some may even see it as quite morbid or pessimistic, but I don’t see it that way. To me, being pragmatic and getting organised isn’t morbid. It doesn’t mean I have given up hope. It’s about love.”
Tips for getting organised
Filing and planning
Loose ends cause stress. so knowing where all your important paperwork is can lift a huge weight off your mind.
Create folders for all your personal business, for example, your mortgage, bank accounts, savings accounts, insurances, investments, car, gas and electricity. It’s a good idea to have a system for your phone and internet provider information and for safely managing all your passwords. Don’t forget to tell your loved ones where everything is.
If you don’t feel up to doing it all yourself, ask a family member or friend to help you.
Keep on top of your appointments
Record all your appointments in one place, and have a separate section for information about treatments, test results, any medication you are given (including dates, dosage and side effects), your doctors’ names and contact details, your lung cancer nurse specialist and any other important healthcare information.
Keep a diary
Your lung cancer nurse specialist may help you keep a diary or folder for your medical notes and appointments. If not, start your own. Get a decent sized, day-a-page diary and a good lever arch file with some coloured tab dividers and poly pockets.
You may also find it helpful to keep a journal or have somewhere to write down how you’re feeling. Many people find journaling a helpful way to cope with your diagnosis and the different emotions it brings, whilst others focus on all things they are grateful for.
Don’t forget online
Nowadays so much of our life is online. Remember to make a note and save any online passwords your loved ones will need access to – from online banking to social media accounts.
Write or update your Will
Although it can be an emotive issue, some people decide the time is right to write or update their will, and even arrange other legal matters such as a power of attorney to make sure your wishes are carried out if you become unable to make your own decisions.
Free Will writing service
We have partnered with Will-writing specialists to ensure all our supporters can write a basic Will for free as well as have access to estate planning help and advice.