More than 1.4 million Americans will with be diagnosed with cancer this year alone. For those diagnosed, most have no idea what lies ahead… Neither do friends nor family of those diagnosed. In fact, most have or will become “accidental” caretakers, seeking solutions to help them provide day-to-day care for a spouse, family member, or friend.
In 2005, my wife diagnosed with Stage IV Gastric Cancer. A few months later I, too, was diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Cancer and was thrown into the position of providing care for my dying wife while also taking care of myself.
After endless searches for resources and information to help me manage the appointments, tests and drugs, I came up empty handed and frustrated: There was little information available to help non-medically trained people.
Rather than accept this set-back, I channeled my frustration and authored The Accidental Caretaker: Battling Cancer for a Loved One and Your Life! The book chronicles my own cancer battles, along with my wife’s, and provides tools and practical advice on how to manage the appointments, drugs and many other ‘Must Do’s’ that come with a cancer diagnosis.
What Others Are Saying About The Accidental Caretaker
"Finally! Bill Dillard writes with honesty and a light heart as he openly shares his journey. Sadly, each of us will be called in our lifetimes to become, The Accidental Caretaker. Until now, there has been nothing of substance to direct the caretaker through the maze of unending tasks. Being prepared brings confidence unmeasured. Caretakers around the globe will thank Bill for writing this book!" – Pam Paugh, Friend, and fellow Caretaker
“The Accidental Caretaker is not just a story about a man caring for his dying wife and then getting hit with a potentially curable cancer but now incurable as it stands today. This book is a practical rendition of do’s, don'ts, how’s, when, why of caring for loved ones with cancer including yourself. Read it and chuckle. Read it and cry a little. It will do you all some good.” – Gena Volas-Redd, MD, Oncology and Hematology, Georgia Cancer Specialists
"Clear, straightforward, and informative... an excellent reference guide for anyone going through a long term illness." – Elizabeth Everidge, RT (R) (CT) (MR), High Point Regional Health System
Bill Dillard survived Small Cell Lung Cancer. He and his wife were diagnosed with different types of cancer in 2005. His cancer experience comes from providing day-to-day care for his wife while he received chemotherapy and radiation treatments at the same time. The Accidental Caretaker takes you inside the challenges you face battling cancer for a loved one, your life, or both. He has been in a chemo chair side-by-side with his wife and survived.
More than 1.4 million Americans will with be diagnosed with cancer this year alone. For those diagnosed, most have no idea what lies ahead… Neither do friends nor family of those diagnosed. In fact, most have or will become “accidental” caretakers, seeking solutions to help them provide day-to-day care for a spouse, family member, or friend.
Bill Dillard survived Small Cell Lung Cancer. He and his wife were diagnosed with different types of cancer in 2005. His cancer experience comes from providing day-to-day care for his wife while he received chemotherapy and radiation treatments at the same time. The Accidental Caretaker takes you inside the challenges you face battling cancer for a loved one, your life, or both. He has been in a chemo chair side-by-side with his wife and survived.