It’s difficult enough to hear the news that a loved one is stricken with cancer. For many families, that seems to indicate a loss of hope, especially if it’s the type of cancer with a high mortality rate. Then again, it won’t help if you give up right away. The chances of surviving can increase when optimal care and attention are provided.
Family members have a vital role to play throughout a loved one’s experience with cancer. From diagnosis to eventual recovery, they can help make the ordeal less stressful so long as they take the right steps in caring for the patient and themselves. If you have a loved one with cancer, here’s a guide to help you make the most of your role as an immediate carer:
1. Provide emotional support
The psychological stress cancer patients experience can only worsen their condition. Not only does the entire process amplify the risk of depression but the stress it entails can decrease treatment effectiveness. In one study published on the National Cancer Institute website, stress is known to produce hormones that slow down tumor death and increase resistance to chemotherapy. You can play an essential role in helping your loved one deal with stress by talking to them and sharing words of encouragement. The less lonely they feel, the less stressed out they become as they continue with their treatment.
2. Assist with daily tasks
Living with cancer can be challenging for your loved one but that’s not to say that you should keep them from doing anything productive each day. In most cases, they can handle simple tasks with very minimal assistance.
However, in cases when physical exertion is needed and your loved one has just finished a chemotherapy session, you may have to step in and handle everything that needs to be done at home. You can also help your loved one with other tasks such as managing medication, planning meals, and managing appointment schedules.
3. Practice self-care
The main challenge you face as your loved one’s immediate care is stress. Even if you think you’re highly committed to helping them out, you shouldn’t ignore the fact that your responsibilities as a carer will weigh heavy on your mental health.
With this in mind, it matters to give yourself ample time to rest and ask someone else to stand in. You can also seek out support groups where you can get valuable advice in dealing with the demands of the job. Keep in mind that you can only provide quality care for your loved one if you’re able to adequately care for yourself.
4. Get professional help
You might think you’re the only person capable of caring for your loved one who has cancer but there are aspects of caregiving that are best handled with the aid of a more experienced mentor.
If your loved one has contracted mesothelioma resulting from asbestos exposure, look for a center that will connect you to relevant practitioners and provide you with valuable resources. You might also want to consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one is in their senior years.
5. Communicate with other loved ones
Throughout the experience, relationships with your family may undergo drastic shifts in response to your loved one’s battle with cancer. As new roles and responsibilities are defined, it matters to realize that everyone is in the same boat.
Don’t take on the role exclusively. Instead, talk to the other members of your family and discuss how you can navigate around the challenge together. It takes a close bond to help your loved one feel less lonely and more hopeful as they make their way towards a full recovery.
Endnote
Dealing with a loved one stricken with cancer can be emotionally and physically draining. Then again, considering how much the person means to you, you can go the extra mile and give your loved one a fighting chance.