Support for Caregivers
The importance of the role of the caregiver can not be stressed enough. As caregivers, we can share our experiences first hand with you. Communication is just as important in dealing with cancer as it is in every area of our lives. No one should underestimate the role of the caregiver. Please let us know if you would like to speak with a caregiver or remain anonymous through emails.
Tips for Caregivers
Listen, listen, listen. No one knows what the cancer patient is going through except those that have gone through their type of cancer and their treatment. If you feel you need help, ask for it. Often family and friends want to help but may not know how or what you need. While some may not help as you would like, others will provide significant support.
There are many resources available to caregivers. Many hospitals and community agencies now have support groups or services specifically for caregivers. Talk with a nurse or social worker, or contact your local American Cancer Society for services that are available in your area.
Take Care of Yourself
It is important at this time that you take care of yourself in addition to taking care of your loved one. Balancing your normal day-to-day tasks, such as cleaning, work, and caring for children or grandchildren, with the stress of a loved one diagnosed with cancer can be challenging at best. It is important not to feel guilty or selfish if you take time for yourself or if you ask for help. By taking time for yourself, you will be better able to take care of your loved one.
As the caregiver, are you the major communicator?
One of the many roles of a caregiver will be the role of keeping loved ones and friends apprised of the progress of the patient. One of the major roles you will fill is "secretary". It is very important that one person assume this key role and be the contact for communicating medical information about your loved one to family and friends, and to contact the doctor, if necessary, to ask questions. We recommend you tell everyone you will be issuing group emails to all of those that wish to be placed on the list when changes occur. This will save you many hours of telling the same story over and over and it keeps everyone who is concerned and praying for your loved one informed.
As a caregiver, how do you know what is urgent?
As your loved one goes through treatment, the doctor, nurse, and other members of the medical team should alert you to expected symptoms or problems and to potentially serious problems. Before each visit with the doctor, write down your key concerns and a list of questions. You may want to ask other family members or friends if they have any questions as well. Be sure to ask your most important questions first. As you are talking with doctors, take notes. If you don't understand something, ask for it to be explained again.
Keep important phone numbers in an easy-to-locate place along with a list of the medications the patient is taking. Be prepared to share this information in the very beginning so they know your circumstances. Ask your doctor for a number to call in an emergency, at night, or over the weekend. If you have questions after you leave the doctor's office, call and ask to speak with someone. They may be able to answer the question or will refer you to the doctor if necessary.