Cancer Patients - Tips for Families

Tips for Families of Cancer Patients

A cancer diagnosis is devastating news for the survivor's family, friends and loved ones. More often than not, these are the individuals who become caregivers following a cancer diagnosis and during treatment.

As a family member, your have a heavy responsibility to take care of. Not only do you have to supervise or help with your loved one's physical needs, you also may be responsible for paying bills, dealing with insurance issues, and helping make medical decisions. Never mind your own regular responsibilities like family and work, and the roller coaster that hurtles you through the emotions that accompany a cancer diagnosis.

Family support is extremely crucial to the treatment of a cancer patient, as their support and good cheer, makes each day a little sunnier and each milestone toward recovery a little more meaningful.

At the same time, the family members are exposed to a serious threat of stress, which can destroy their goal. The information on this page is designed to help such people understand that they are valued members of the healing process. As such, their fitness, both physical and emotional, is necessary to keep the journey on track.

Here are some tips that can help keep from feeling overwhelmed and overburdened:


Educate yourself
Understanding your loved one's illness and treatment can lessen your fears and prepare you to make important decisions. You can learn about the illness by researching on-line or at your local library, asking health care providers, contacting national organizations, or talking to others who have been through a similar experience.


Assemble a team
The care of a cancer survivor is an awesome responsibility and no one should be expected to handle it alone. You can manage the tasks that need to be done by enlisting the help of other family members, friends, and neighbors. Divide chores into categories (i.e., personal care, transportation, errands, help around the house, personal affairs) and delegate them to others you trust.


Communicate your role to the patient's doctor
It is important for the cancer patient's physician to know that you are the point person when it comes to your loved one's care. Opening the lines of communication will improve the flow of information and reduce confusion.


Develop a crisis management plan
You never know when an emergency may arise, and the worst time to try to recall important information is when you are anxious and upset. Prepare for a crisis by creating an emergency phone list of numbers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, family members, neighbors and friends. Also include information about your loved one's insurance, social security, and living will/power of attorney.


Tap into community resources
Many communities have organizations that assist caregivers with transportation, meals and nutrition, cleaning services, childcare, respite care, and legal advice. Find out what's available through your county health department, local newspaper, library, church or synagogue. Take advantage of the resources available to you.


Join a support group
It is important to remember that you are never alone. Always remember, there are millions of people around the world in an almost similar a position like yourself. Chances are there are others in your community who have walked in your shoes. Participating in a support group is a way to meet others in a similar situation and hear and learn from their experiences. Find out about support groups near you by checking with your doctor, hospital, county health department, national association or library.


Take good care of yourself
When we are caring for others and under constant stress, we often neglect ourselves. Poor eating habits, lack of sleep, and heavy lifting often take their toll on our own physical well-being. Take care to eat nutritiously, drink plenty of fluids, exercise, sleep, and pace yourself. If you are going to stay in this race for the long haul, you need to stay healthy.


Mind your emotions
You have taken on a very stressful job that can play havoc with your emotions. In order to go the distance emotionally, you need to set realistic goals for yourself; stay connected to your regular life with hobbies, exercise and friends; talk about your anger, frustrations and resentments; allow yourself to grieve; seek comfort in spirituality or the warmth of friends and family; and maintain a sense of humor.


Watch out for depression
Your job, at times, can seem overwhelming. Depression is a common side effect of taking care of a cancer patient and it deserves your constant attention. Learn to recognize the signs of depression: constant sadness, anxiety or emptiness; sleeping too little or too much; reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite or weight gain; loss of interest in activities; restlessness or irritability; fatigue; or overwhelming feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness. Just in case things get out of hand, and you think you are suffering from depression, seek immediate professional help.


Give yourself the credit you deserve
You are giving your loved one the greatest gift possible: yourself. Whether your loved one and others acknowledge this gift doesn't matter. You know the sacrifices you are making and the energy you are using to do what is right in your heart. You deserve to feel good about your choice to help and should be congratulated on your selflessness and generosity.