On their fifth wedding anniversary Jeff Block’s wife Debbie was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma, a stage 3 brain cancer which she continues to live with today—15 years after being diagnosed. In this episode, Jeff talks about managing his wife’s round-the-clock care, navigating the tangled web of insurance coverage and respite care and writing his book “Nine Years After.” He also talks about how caregiving has affected him emotionally, his approach to medical bills and the surprising impact of North Carolina’s infamous “bathroom bill” on his and Debbie’s outings. Tune in for a candid conversation out of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Jeff’s book: Nine Years After
Learn more about Debbie’s form of cancer: Anaplastic Astrocytoma
Music: “You Um, I’ll Ah” by Doctor Turtle | CC BY | Free Music Archive
Scattered: My Year As An Accidental Caregiver is available in paperback and eBook at
So pleased to have the opportunity to have listened to this with my wife Debbie. She was extremely touched and thanked me for being such a caring husband. A sweet moment for us for which I thank you. Now in the interest of honesty, I must correct a mistake. I incorrectly said Debbie had two rounds of 90 hyperbaric treatments. She actually endured two rounds of 60 treatments for a total of 120 throughout 2006.
Debbie an I had the pleasure of working together for a couple of years in the early 70″s. She was always a pleasant person to be around. Although I have not personally met her husband Jeff, I feel that I know him, having read both of his books.
I am sure that I cannot imagine the rigors, stresses and emotional turmoil of being a full-time care giver. Love & Light to Jeff and Debbie