FC:AI: Back to AI basics

I know a lot of people reading this might be new to AI — or know someone with cancer who has no idea what AI is. So starting this week, before we go deeper into tools and tactics, I thought I’d go back to a few basics: tools I use again and again that might actually help immediately.

All of these have free versions. You can pay for more features (like uploading documents, doing deep research, or heavier usage), but even at the free tier, they’re worth having around when cancer is throwing everything at you.

ChatGPT
General all-purpose assistant. Brilliant at explaining, listing, rewording, summarising, writing short replies to emails. And the dictation feature is spot on and saves loads of time — just ramble away and send.

NotebookLM
Upload your own notes, articles, blood tests, or letters — and then ask it questions about your stuff. Great if you're too tired to read everything you’ve been given.

Manus AI
Think of this like a long-term project assistant. Amazing for helping plan things with cancer in mind — like travel, medical scheduling, or multi-step to-dos. If you want an invite to the free version, DM me.

Simple ways to use these tools

• Understand blood test results
  Paste in your results and ask:
  “Can you tell me what stands out here and what I could improve through diet or supplements?”
  NotebookLM can spot patterns, ChatGPT will also make suggestions — though always check with your oncologist too.

• Remember who’s who at hospital
  Keep a running log:
  “Track the nurses and doctors I’ve seen: name, role, and anything helpful to remember.”
  Super useful next time you’re back in the chair/bed and want to greet people properly (or get extra snacks).

• Plan complex things like travel
  I asked Manus to help me plan for the World Cup next year — with cancer in mind. It gave me a 60-page breakdown: visas, flights, fan park locations, even medical prep. Genuinely better than any travel planner I’ve used.

• Summarise things people send you
  Got recommended five books or articles? Ask:
  “Can you tell me which of these is worth reading first if I’m on a keto diet with XXX cancer?”

Prompts Anyone Can Use (No Setup Needed)

• I’m going to the hospital tomorrow — what questions should I ask my consultant?

• Give me a food plan for 3 days that avoids sugar and supports digestion.

• What are common chemo side effects for [INSERT CHEMO] and what can I do to ease them?

• What’s a good way to explain my treatment to my kids or family?

Final Caveat
The first response is rarely perfect. You need to use these tools again and again to improve both them, and your use of them. As an example, it took me about 10 prompts in the middle of the night to create this imperfect image carousel. FFS. Better than nothing though.