Testimonials

“I have the results of your breast biopsy and I am sorry to tell you that you have breast cancer.” I digest these words alone in my kitchen, stunned and sickened. That was August 2009. One hears the expression “like deer in headlights,” but I did not fully comprehend its meaning until hanging up from this call. Where to turn? I was reading everything that I could get my hands on to try to understand my diagnosis, pathology, treatment plan, and generally what I was in for. Only recently when my Patient-Family Advisory Committee was asked to review My Notebook as a resource for newly diagnosed cancer patients, did I become aware of its existence. My Notebook would have been a perfect jumping off point for me in terms of guidance, direction, organization, and resources. I am sorry it was unavailable when I was first diagnosed. It would have been immensely helpful to me during those first weeks and months especially, and throughout my cancer journey. Its 3-ring binder format makes it easy for you to use as you see fit. It can be picked up, put down, and customized for your and your family’s individual needs. I am pleased to share that I am currently a 15-year survivor!”

“As a family physician and a cancer survivor, I think I can offer a unique perspective on the potential of “My Notebook” to positively affect the lives of cancer victims. I have watched as giving the diagnoses of any type of cancer throws a victim’s life into chaos and makes one feel hopeless. I certainly can relate to those feelings. “My Notebook” provides a way for individuals and families to see a path through the darkness and to provide organization to the seeming overwhelming confusion. Most importantly, it gives back the lost sense of control that accompanies the diagnosis. The sense of control gives the patient the autonomy that allows one to feel human again and plants the seeds of hope, critical in getting the best outcomes. This is as important as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Ms. Jaffe has provided a great gift to patients and their families and their providers.”

“As counselor and support group leader at Wellness House of Annapolis, I have worked with individuals whose lives have been touched by cancer at all stages of the experience. For most, the period immediately following the initial diagnosis is filled with stress and fear. Patients, loved ones, and family caregivers alike are overwhelmed with the new world of treatment options, multiple doctors, and different medical settings. This notebook for the newly diagnosed is a simple tool that not only normalizes the experience, but offers an easy to use organizational system that smooths record keeping and medical communication throughout the cancer journey. I recently met with the husband of a newly diagnosed cancer patient troubled by all the worry and responsibility of being a new caregiver. When I showed him the notebook and how easy it is to use, he visibly relaxed. Here was a tool that made sense, and that he could handle. I recommend this notebook to all practitioners working with the newly diagnosed cancer patients, and to patients themselves, their families and caregivers.”

“As a recent (2014) Gastric Cancer Patient and Clinical Nurse Specialist, I think that “My Notebook: A Notebook Guide for Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients” is an amazing tool. From my own personal journey, even with my medical and clinical training, I learned that 1) patients do not feel they are active participants in developing their treatment plans; 2) treatment planning discussions are often overwhelming for newly diagnosed patients; 3) few patients realize they may ask questions, or even know what specific questions to ask during these discussions; 4) patients want their providers to understand and appreciate the effect treatment has on their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Medical care specialist’s time with the patient is woefully limited — totally inadequate for the patient and family to address all their questions and needs. In that clinical setting, a resource such as My Notebook takes up where the clinicians leave off, and provides the patient and his or her family and caregivers a well-explained and organized path toward survivorship. “My Notebook” includes simple instructional and organizational tools that are acutely needed to help patients, family members and caregivers to articulate, record, track, organize, and meet not only their medical issues, but all the non-medical needs each of them face following a cancer diagnosis.”

“When a close family member got diagnosed with cancer I didn’t know where to turn. I found the resources at https://www.newcancerpatient.org helped me organize my thoughts and walked me through the first steps with helpful videos. The resources provided on this site are particularly useful for family and loved ones of newly diagnosed cancer patients.  It’s hard to not shut down in the first several weeks after diagnosis. Yet, we were able to use the “My Notebook” to help us anticipate and initiate things that would help us prepare for choosing treatment and know what things we needed to allow our loved one to focus on getting well.

Thank you for creating this welcoming website, videos, and the binder materials for those newly diagnosed with cancer.”