Shortly after I was diagnosed, I spoke with someone who is now in remission about parenting, hair loss, and just stuff in general. She suggested I look into Cleaning for a Reason. This not-for-profit organization based in Texas matches cleaning services to female cancer patients throughout the United States and Canada.
I looked into their services and decided to complete an application. A doctor’s note is required, so I sent my prescription for my wig, since all of the medical codes and diagnoses were on it.
An email from Cleaning for Reason indicated that no providers were available in my area, but I received another email stating that I was matched with a cleaning service. Cautiously optimistic, I waited for the CHRIStal Clean to contact me. The cleaning company would send out two team members who would be in the house for one hour. We set up two appointments – one before surgery and one after surgery. I wasn’t sure how I would be feeling or how our household would be functioning after surgery and thought that would be most helpful.
The cleaning service gave me a time window on the first day, but one of the team members was injured so we rescheduled. At the rate our household functions, there is a bit of picking up to do before the housekeepers come. I asked that one tackle the kids’ bathroom and that the other tackle the kitchen (floors, counters, etc.). The crew worked efficiently, and it felt really good to have a clean house.
During their second visit, I had them tackle the blinds and the kitchen. It was lovely to have dust free blinds. Our kitchen sink is made out of some white material that can stain, so it is always great to have the sink stain-free. I use bleach to clean out the sink. I stayed out of their way, so I’m not sure what they used but it didn’t smell like they used bleach.
Thank you to Cleaning for a Reason for matching cleaning companies to patients and to CHRIStal Clean for donating your services to make things a little easier on the homefront when dealing with a cancer card.
