DENVER - A daily planner is an important part of many lives. It helps business people keep track of appointments and meetings. School children use them to organize their daily assignments and homework. But some women need a calendar for a different reason - breast cancer.
Julie Grimm knew she needed a planner the day she was diagnosed with breast cancer. While the diagnosis was a stunner, Julie was well aware of the medical journey she was about to embark on.
Julie had a brain tumor removed just three years before.
"I made a lot of mistakes through that process, I decided I better get myself organized this time," Julie said.
Julie used her planner to keep track of her doctor appointments, her medical bills, her medications and her physical and mental reactions to the various medications and procedures.
After going through the brain surgery Julie remembered feeling "fuzzy" at times and overwhelmed.
"The thing is you do think you're never going to forget, you're never going to forget how traumatic it is, but you do," Julie said. "That's the good thing, the bad thing is, if it comes up again, you need to have it written down."
During her chemotherapy treatments for her breast cancer she decided to create a planning system for others going through breast cancer. Her ready for recovery breast-cancer planner was released about a year-and-a-half ago.
She says all the feedback on it has been very positive. Recently she sold a planner to her first male breast cancer patient. The patient's wife is the one who plans to use it, to keep track of appointments and write in the journal.
While Julie designed her planner on line she never considered making this an online program. She believes there is something therapeutic about physically writing down this type of information and keeping it close to you. She intentionally chose a soft cover for the organizer and journal, and sprinkled the pages inside with tips on health and well being.
Julie says this experience has been healing for her and an opportunity to share her wisdom with others. She is in the process of developing a general cancer version of her planner, along with a pediatric version. Others have encouraged her to expand beyond cancer, and develop a planner for diabetes patients.
She has three versions of the planner ranging in price from $49.99 to $69.00. You can learn more about her ready for recovery planner at www.breastcancerplanner.com.
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