Tame the Interruption Beast
By Dave Balch, author “Cancer for Two” and founder
The Patient/Partner Project

Interruptions.  Arghhh.  One of the biggest problems for us, 
especially when dealing with a serious illness, is the 
relentless stream of sudden events that interfere with our 
work.  Unexpected phone calls, children that need attention, 
the dog needs to go out, the cat needs to come in, the sink 
is leaking, the car needs to go to the shop… it never ends!  
It is extremely frustrating to be in the middle of a 
carefully planned day, deep in thought, only to have Aunt 
Bertha call to tell you about her bunions.  What to do?  
Aunt Bertha’s bunions are important!  (To her.)  Some 
interruptions can be eliminated, some can be controlled, and 
some, well…………………… sorry, FedEx just got here and needed a 
signature… where was I?  Oh yes; …and there are some 
interruptions you’ve just got to live with.

Let’s start with interruptions that can be eliminated:  
phone calls.  Turning the phone completely off is always an 
option… let voice mail get it.  That’s not always practical, 
though; we do want to talk to some people, don’t we?  Well, 
I have two words for you:  “Caller ID”.  This is a wonderful 
service provided by the phone company for a small monthly 
fee that, when the phone rings, displays information about 
the caller on your phone.  If your phone doesn’t have this 
feature, you an get a little gizmo at Radio Shack for under 
$20.  (And, there’s no interruption for installation:   they 
do it from their office!)  Bingo!  Now you know who’s 
calling before you answer the phone and you can make an 
intelligent decision whether or not to answer it.  If it’s 
Aunt Bertha, let the machine get it and call her back later 
when it’s convenient for you.  You now have power over the 
phone, and it is good.  The interruption has been reduced to 
looking to see who it is.

Other interruptions can be controlled.  For example, you 
need a plumber to fix the sink and have a friend that wants 
to see your hydrangeas.  Schedule them both for the same 
afternoon, i.e., group things into specific time slots if 
possible and then plan activities for that time that are not 
sensitive to interruptions.  Another consideration:  don’t 
schedule them for the time of day that is your best 
“thinking” time.  For example, I am at my best in the 
morning so, when I have a choice, I avoid scheduling things 
in the morning.  That way, the interruptions don’t disturb 
me when I’m at my best.  Are kids or spouses walking in and 
asking you mundane questions that could have waited?  Have a 
signal that means “DO NOT BOTHER ME UNLESS SOMETHING IS 
BURNING OR BLEEDING”.   It could be as simple as closing a 
door.  Or, you could turn on a specific light or lamp that 
would mean the same thing.  Make it a strict rule and 
enforce it:  they will get the idea.  Eventually.

We have just scratched the surface, but this beast can be 
tamed with a little thought and creativity.

© 2009, Dave Balch  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Dave Balch gives greater understanding and relieves stress and restores hope for those dealing with a serious or chronic illness or condition.  He was caregiver for his wife during four bouts of breast cancer and has now dedicated his life and career to helping others by founding The Patient/Partner Project. Resources include a book “Cancer for Two,” speaking programs, a DVD about coping strategies, and free web services.  Subscribe to his no-cost monthly newsletter, “Caring and Coping” at www.CaringAndCoping.com