Just days after I was first diagnosed with Stage IV cancer, a little over a year ago, my daughter and SIL ordered me one of these.

She knew I was going straight into chemo, and that it was going to be rough. She and I googled the effects it would have on my body—the aches, the weakness—and she determined right then and there she was going to gift me with one of these to help me get my tired ass up. After my surgery to remove my cancer-riddled organs, this chair was also my bed because getting off a bed on my own was beyond my capability. Even though I’ve recovered a lot of my strength (not all) after my chemo ended and after my surgery, I still rely on it those days when my infusions make me fatigued. So, hell yeah, I endorse this product. You can find them for as little as $299, but the money will be well spent.

The other item I will endorse for its aid and comfort to me during this entire process is this—a bidet.

This is one you fit to your existing toilet. And it’s completely affordable. I think I spent $35 on it, and my SIL installed it in less than half an hour. When you’re weak or reaching to clean yourself properly, a bidet can save you having to rely on others to perform that kind of intimate care. Especially, after my surgery, I couldn’t reach or twist, which meant wiping my own a$$ would have been a problem if not for this device. TMI, I know, but a bidet has been…lifechanging, actually, and I wonder why we didn’t install one sooner. Not only do you save money in toilet paper and wet wipes, you are cleaner than if you used either. Not that it removes the need for either of those other products, but you use so much less. Not only does it wash your intimate areas, but, and I’m sorry if this really is TMI, but when you have difficulties with either constipation or diarrhea (which chemo and immunotherapy cause), it can really make a huge difference. The stream can stimulate you to release hardened stools and it’s a no-brainer that diarrhea can more easily be washed away.

I know, I know. Who wants to read about this? But I promised transparency. These two items were and are vital to my independence and self-care. I just thought I’d let you know that.

One more thing helps, too. Adult diapers. I resisted using them, still do. However, if I have to leave the house for any length of time, it helps me with the anxiety of whether I will make it to a bathroom on time. Pull-ons are more comfortable, and they make them so they don’t show through your clothing. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

So, that’s my PSA (public service announcement). You can go back to plugging your ears (or closing your eyes) and ignoring uncomfortable subjects, but I thought this might be helpful to someone else out there.