Hi again, Phyllis. Boy, you've been useful today! Like you, I was also a keep-it-in-my-head kind of person. I've had to adjust to losing some of that ability as I make progress through the cancer jungle and it's a humbling experience.

I use my mobile telephone in place of a paper notebook. I bought an iphone just before Christmas and it really helps keep me organised as I use it like my computer. You really have to know WHERE to look in the resource you are using to make notes and ask questions. The iphone has a useful notepad where I write down questions, and the calendar function is very useful for giving an instant view of when appointments are coming up. You can even set it to alert you when you need to leave for an appointment. And I can play games on it while having my chemo infusion!

I also found it to be challenging processing the huge amounts of information during doctors' appointments and like it when my husband can be there. I have often had to ask him, "Now, did Michael (my onco) say... ?" If my husband can't be there, I've got over the embarrassment of asking for clarification to make sure I've got everything straight. I always tell my students never to leave the room scratching their heads wondering what the lesson was all about and now I'm following my own advice.

Thank goodness I don't have to deal with insurance companies - no wonder everyone hates them! Here in Australia, everyone pays a small levy on their income (about 1 - 1 1/2%) to cover universal medical care, so everyone is covered for basic treatment. If you want extras like choice of doctors and hospitals, no waiting lists or private rooms then you pay for private health insurance. I guess this makes them less powerful than in the US as they usually pay up without a fight. Sometimes our system creaks and groans and people complain about it, but I think it works pretty well for serious illnesses. You NEVER hear anyone here say that their doctor has recommended Herceptin but they can't afford it because of lack of insurance. Here it is on what we call the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) and is paid for by the government - us really since we give them the money to do it with.

Best wishes and thanks again for the useful tips

Sue

Phyllis Johnson

3/ 9/09 7:33pm

I was wondering about whether Blackberries, I-phones, and other personal calendar type devices would work.  I'm glad yours is doing the job.  I think a major factor would be the ease of using the keyboard for longer notes.  But for appointments and contact info they would be great.