• Licensed clinical oncology social worker Ailey Armstrong

  • Dec 18 2023
  • Length: 33 mins
  • Podcast

Licensed clinical oncology social worker Ailey Armstrong

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  • **Disclaimer: The information in this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your health care provider regarding your medical decisions and treatment. Any listed resources are not intended to be endorsements.**Ailey Armstrong, MSW, LICSW is a licensed clinical oncology social worker at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle. Today, she shares her insights on transitioning home post-transplant. She emphasizes the importance of continued caregiving support and suggests patients assess their needs in various aspects like medication management, meals, and transportation. Ailey advises making a list of needs and identifying which can be managed independently and which require external support, like arranging rides to medical appointments.Ailey highlights the role of social workers and patient navigators in providing resources and support, including financial assistance and help in returning to work. She also encourages tapping into a broader network beyond the core caregiver team, involving neighbors, church members, and extended family for support.On the emotional side, it's normal to feel a range of emotions from relief to anxiety and fear. The transition brings concerns about managing without the transplant team, handling post-transplant symptoms, and adapting to home life. She addresses the feelings of frustration, anger, and grief that stem from changes in lifestyle and identity post-transplant.To manage these emotions, Ailey recommends acknowledging and processing them rather than avoiding them. She suggests practical strategies like using lists, calendars, and apps to manage medications and appointments. Emphasizing the importance of staying present, she introduces the "dropping anchor" exercise to ground oneself in the present, focusing on immediate sensations and surroundings.Ailey stresses the importance of open communication with medical teams post-discharge, ensuring patients have all necessary contact information. She discusses the normality of mixed emotions upon returning home and the need for time to readjust to family dynamics and home responsibilities.Delving deeper into psychosocial support, Ailey advises discussing mood and sleep changes with medical providers, as these are treatable. She emphasizes the significance of self-compassion and kindness, urging patients to treat themselves as they would a dear friend. Additionally, she suggests having structured daily routines incorporating essential activities and enjoyable tasks to provide a sense of normalcy and control.In conclusion, Ailey underscores that difficult days are inevitable and recommends focusing on wellness. She advises preparing a list of activities and thoughts that induce calmness. Her final message emphasizes self-compassion, encouraging patients to treat themselves with the same kindness and patience they would offer to a loved one.More:Medisafe App for prescription management: https://www.medisafe.com/National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 988 (three digit phone number)Book: It's OK That You're Not OK, by Megan Devine on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Its-OK-That-Youre-Not-OK-audiobook/dp/B075QP5SGH/Book: When Life Hits Hard, by Russ Harris: https://www.amazon.com/When-Life-Hits-Hard-Acceptance/dp/1684039010Book: The Cancer Companion: How to Navigate Your Way from Diagnosis to Treatment and Beyond, by Dr. Toni Lindsay (Parts 2 and 4 in particular): https://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Companion-Navigate-Diagnosis-Treatment/dp/0369366956Other ResourcesNational Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/nbmtLINK Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKnbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.Thank you to our sponsors. This season is supported by a healthcare contribution from Sanofi https://www.sanofi.com/ Follow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/
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