Thoughtful Planning

By: Santiago and Honey Bueno
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  • Summary

  • Life doesn’t always go as expected. That’s why planning for contingencies is so important. The Thoughtful Planning podcast will help you understand why having these conversations, and making these decisions are so important. Putting a plan in place gives your family peace of mind knowing and understanding your choices. Reduce stress and anxiety about finances, insurance, and your final wishes. Husband and wife hosts Santiago and Honey Bueno share the steps they’ve taken and explain the questions they are still considering. Create a plan now, while you’re able to thoughtfully consider how you’d like things handled. Santiago and Honey share advice with compassion and understanding. They know that hard conversations need to happen, but you don’t have to be alone as you begin your planning Journey.
    @Legacy Toolkit LLC 2024
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Episodes
  • The Gift of a Planned Goodbye EP28

    The Gift of a Planned Goodbye EP28
    Nov 5 2024
    In this solo episode, Honey shares her personal journey of planning her own obituary, eulogy, and funeral presentation. Inspired by her experiences in her death doula training, she reflects on how preparing these final elements can be an act of love for those left behind. Honey discusses why she initially left these responsibilities to her family but later realized the peace and clarity that comes from planning these aspects herself. Today’s essential question: Would you prepare your own obituary, eulogy, and funeral presentation? Episode Highlights: Honey’s Journey: Inspired by her death doula training, Honey shares her evolving thoughts on planning her own farewell, including her initial hesitation and eventual commitment to completing the task. Obituary Writing Tips: Insights on writing an obituary, keeping costs low, and where to publish, including options for hiring a writer or using Canva templates. Creating a Personal Eulogy: Honey's unique experience recording her own eulogy, making it interactive for her audience, and adding personal messages for her family. Practical tips on keeping it concise and heartfelt. Funeral Presentation Misunderstanding: How Honey’s interpretation of her "funeral timeline" assignment became a full 61-slide photo and story presentation, complete with music and family-specific colors. Memorial Ideas from Peers: Unique memorial ideas shared by classmates, like story cards for guests, bonfire send-offs, personal collections as parting gifts, and interactive gestures at the service. Advice for Listeners: Keep It Simple & Personal: When creating these farewell pieces, focus on what feels authentic to you. Simple messages, favorite songs, or colors can create a meaningful touch. Use Accessible Tools: Canva templates, Google Drive, and video recording apps are easy, accessible tools for creating and organizing your materials. Consider Costs: Whether digital or in print, be mindful of costs and consider how recurring fees or publication fees may impact your choices. Invite Participation: Interactive elements like story cards or QR codes with links to videos allow your loved ones to engage, remember and heal. Conclusion: Honey concludes with a reminder: planning your farewell is a final gift of love and care, helping your loved ones find comfort and closure. She emphasizes that these preparations can be a unique expression of your life, bringing peace to both you and your family. Previous Episodes Referenced in Podcast: Episode 14: ‘FUN’erals: How Robin Phoenix Johnson Incorporates Laughter Into Planning Your Last Laugh - https://youtu.be/po82O9aM8YY Episode 21: Guided Grace: The Role of Doulas in End-of-Life Planning - https://youtu.be/PjsSvd_JaL0 Connect, Subscribe & Follow: Don't forget to subscribe to Thoughtful Planning on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates and more tips on end-of-life planning. https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney - Legacy Toolkit Facebook Business Page https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit - Legacy Toolkit LinkedIn Business Page Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/podcast Email: info@legacytoolkit.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    21 mins
  • Fighting Throat Cancer: The Journey, Challenges and Importance of Planning EP27

    Fighting Throat Cancer: The Journey, Challenges and Importance of Planning EP27
    Oct 22 2024
    *Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about cancer, its treatment & the side effects, which may be emotionally challenging for some listeners. In this special episode, Santiago shares his experience battling stage IVB throat cancer. He highlights the challenges faced by cancer patients, the importance of planning ahead, and offers practical tips to help others navigate similar situations. Today’s essential question: Why is it important to plan for emergencies or end-of-life situations while you are clear of mind? Episode Highlights: Life Before Cancer Santiago felt relatively healthy despite aches from 21+ years of military service. He was active as a JROTC instructor & completed the Marine Corps Marathon in October 2015. The Move & Diagnosis During their final military move, Santiago felt something in his throat & went to his doctor in July. The ENT specialist performed a biopsy & 2 weeks later, on July 25, 2016, Santiago was diagnosed with stage IVB throat cancer. Honey accompanied him, but Santiago received the diagnosis alone before breaking the news to her. The Treatment Process Santiago underwent surgeries for a chemo port & PEG (stomach) tube. He endured 7 weeks of radiation with a claustrophobic mask bolted to the bed. He received 3 rounds of Cisplatin chemo, suffering from nausea, vomiting, hearing loss & nerve damage. Challenges Santiago’s weight dropped from 185 to 134 pounds in just 3 weeks due to extreme nausea. He struggled with drop foot & nerve damage, affecting his ability to walk & hold objects, leading them to switch to metal mugs with tops. Balancing Work & Home Life Santiago’s boss allowed him to take leave, but he made weekly visits to work when he wasn’t in the hospital to reassure others he was fighting. He struggled with being unable to perform tasks he once enjoyed, like mowing the lawn. The Hospital Experience Santiago praised his ENT doctor, Dr. Newberry, & radiation oncologist, Dr. Wong, but had a tough experience with his first hemo-oncologist, who read the wrong patient’s file. Post-Treatment Considerations Ongoing side effects include special dental care needs due to radiation and surgeries to widen his throat so he could eat more comfortably. Key Takeaways: Stay Informed: Be proactive, research your treatment & ask the right questions to avoid complications. Emotional Resilience: Cancer is emotionally draining. Acknowledge your own needs while balancing those of your caregivers. Caregiver Support: Santiago emphasizes the vital role his wife, Honey, & his dog, Maxx, played during his fight, showing how love & support can make a difference. Conclusion: Santiago’s journey highlights the importance of mental and physical strength, along with the critical support of loved ones. By sharing his story, he hopes to help others understand the challenges of cancer and the need for planning ahead while you’re clear of mind. Facing the toughest battles becomes easier when you’re prepared and supported. Resources In podcast episode 26 Honey shared tips on the items I used. Click the link to access those tips: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/tips-for-a-throat-cancer-patient https://www.facebook.com/share/g/Gor6k8fHn2wTqw8W/ - SPOHNC (Support for People With Oral and Head and Neck Cancer) Facebook group https://spohnc.org/supportive-care/ - Website for SPOHNC Subscribe & Follow: Thoughtful Planning on your favorite podcast platform https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney - Legacy Toolkit Facebook Business Page https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit - Legacy Toolkit LinkedIn Business Page Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • Caregiving Through Throat Cancer: The Importance of Planning Ahead EP26

    Caregiving Through Throat Cancer: The Importance of Planning Ahead EP26
    Oct 8 2024
    *Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about cancer treatment & caretaking, which may be emotionally challenging for some listeners. In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey shares her personal experience as a caregiver during her husband's battle with throat cancer. Through her journey, she highlights the challenges of caregiving, the importance of planning ahead, & provides practical tips to help others navigate similar situations. Today’s essential question: Why is it important to plan for emergencies or end-of-life situations while you are clear of mind? Episode Highlights The Diagnosis Husband diagnosed with stage 4b throat cancer Initial disbelief The Treatment Process Surgeries to add the chemo port & stomach tube (PEG tube) 7 weeks of radiation (Mon. - Fri.) 3 rounds of chemotherapy Caretaker Challenges Balancing work, home life & caretaking duties Learning to manage stomach tube & medication administration Dealing with side effects of treatment Advice for Caretakers Keep a daily journal for doctor visits & patient's condition Prepare a "go bag" for hospital visits Manage medication schedules & medication type (liquid/crushable) Create a support system with family & neighbors Essential Supplies Pill crusher Recliner (non-rocking) Shower chair Buckets lined with paper towels for spitting Vomit bags for travel Post-Treatment Considerations Ongoing side effects from radiation Special dental care requirements Key Takeaways Plan ahead: By planning for emergencies & end-of-life decisions before a crisis hits, you'll be more equipped to focus on what really matters—caring for your loved one & helping them through the treatment process. Stay informed: Being proactive, learning about treatments & asking the right questions to doctors can prevent unnecessary emergencies or complications. Emotional resilience: Caregiving is emotionally draining & it's important to acknowledge your own needs while navigating the complexities of cancer treatment. Support networks: Finding the right support system, whether through family, friends, or even online communities, is vital to managing the challenging role of caregiving. Conclusion Honey’s story highlights the importance of planning ahead for life’s unexpected challenges. Through her personal experience of caregiving for her husband during his battle with throat cancer, she provides practical tips & heartfelt advice to help others navigate similar journeys. Planning not only reduces stress but also allows caregivers to focus on what matters most—supporting their loved ones. Resources In the podcast I mentioned I’d share tips on the items I used. Click the link to access those tips: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/tips-for-a-throat-cancer-patient I mentioned I’d share a link to a caregiver group that I’m in, but it’s private so I can’t share it. Instead, do a search on Facebook for ‘caregiver’ & several groups come up. Choose a group that matches your needs. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/Gor6k8fHn2wTqw8W/ - SPOHNC (Support for People With Oral and Head and Neck Cancer) Facebook group https://spohnc.org/supportive-care/ - Website for SPOHNC https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html - If you’re a caregiver to a veteran or military family member the you can join the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN) https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/ - Tip for veterans & military families, go to va.gov & scroll to the bottom to click the VA Outreach Events where you might be able to find events for caregivers. Subscribe & Follow: Thoughtful Planning on your favorite podcast platform https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney - Legacy Toolkit Facebook Business Page https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit - Legacy Toolkit LinkedIn Business Page Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 mins

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