Changing Roles
Chances are cancer has caused you (or someone in the family) to suddenly become a caretaker. You may providing emotional and spiritual support, daily care, or both. Caregiving is difficult emotionally and physically and can take a toll on your own health and quality of life. If you find yourself in this role, you may alternate between feelings of anger, grief, guilt, anxiety, depression, loneliness and hopelessness. These are all normal feelings.
The National Cancer Institute offers these coping tips for caretakers.
- Let go of mistakes
- Cry or express your feelings
- Put your energy into things that really matter
- Understand your-and the cancer patient's-anger
- Forgive yourself
Children
Children and teens can have an especially tough time coping with a family member who has cancer. They may feel confused, scared, guilty, angry and resentful. They may miss the attention they used to enjoy and withdraw. You might not want to discuss cancer with your children because it's difficult and you don't want to scare them. However, it's important to include them and to talk with them about the disease and how to cope with it. Whether you are the patient or a caregiver, try to stay involved in your children's lives.
Communicate
Families who communicate openly and share feelings tend to cope better with cancer than families in which individuals solve problems alone rather than as a team. It's also helpful to recognize that everyone responds differently in emotional situations. Don't expect others to act the way you would.
Don't Go It Alone
Whether you are a cancer patient or a caregiver, parent, child or sibling of someone with cancer, there are a wealth of resources and organization that can help you emotionally, spiritually, financially and logistically. Most cancer centers have social workers and spiritual leaders who can help you navigate psychosocial challenges, including dealing with end-of-life issues. There are numerous online and local support groups where you can share your feelings and experiences with others who know what it's like. The National Children's Cancer Society and many other nonprofit and government agencies also provide financial support to families in need.
Sources
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/when-someone-you-love-is-treated
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/551297
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/content/MBC_4_1X_For_Spouses_Family_and_Friends.asp?sitearea=MBC
