It's important that you take care of your own emotional needs. As a caregiver, you need to be at your best to care for your loved one.
Some days you're up, some days you're down. Your emotions can be all over the place when you're taking care of someone you love.
Most people are thrown into the role of caregiving for a loved one with cancer very quickly, with little to no preparation or training. Allow yourself to feel scared and frustrated.
You may notice that your emotions often mirror those of your loved one’s, and on other days they're the exact opposite. There's no "right way" to feel – it's all normal.
Participate in activities that make you feel good such as exercise, talking about your feelings with a trusted friend, or engaging in a favorite craft or hobby.
Cancer is a master at creating symbolic loss in people’s lives – loss of dreams, roles, abilities, etc. Allow yourself to feel upset about what it has taken from you or your loved one. Seek out peer or professional support when the grief is overwhelming.
There may be times of intense stress and emotions, such as initial diagnosis, recurrence, end of treatment, and end of life. Expect that you will need a little more support during these times.
It’s common to dwell on the "worst case scenario" about things that are out of your control. Acknowledge when your worry is getting the best of you and find ways to distract yourself.
Sometimes caregivers take on roles that their loved one was responsible for before diagnosis. This may feel strange at first, but take time to adjust. Don't be afraid to ask for help from others when you need it.
A caregiver may feel like they're a nurse, parent, or a maid. It’s normal to miss just being the spouse or child. Find time to carve out quality time that reminds you of all that you are.
Be alert for any of the following:
These may be signs that you need to seek professional help. Talk to your doctor about finding a provider.
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Statistics suggested that Christy’s odds of survival were grim, so she leaned into her faith and kept a positive outlook. She tried to control what she could. And, critically, she received biomarker testing.