Facing a cancer diagnosis is a difficult test, both for the sick person and for the family. And what comes with the treatment is an even bigger test, because the patient will need a lot of support. If someone in your family is suffering from cancer, these tips will help you to help and support you in the best possible way.
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| Diagnosis: cancer. How can the family help? |
Family support is important so that the person with cancer can get ahead during a treatment in which the physical and emotional forces of many patients are exhausted. It is so important that several studies have shown that patients who have strong family support tend to manage their illness and treatment better, than those who go through this moment alone. Why?
In principle, physical support is important so that the person with cancer can save strength for their treatment, without having to be aware of the tasks of daily life such as driving to the hospital, preparing food, taking care of the house, taking care of children, pay the bills ... there is nobody that resists so much, and so they help of others is vital.
And besides, because it is also important to receive emotional support. Facing a disease like cancer brings a lot of stress, anguish, fear, depression ... and in those moments it is essential to have the love and the embrace of loved ones.
But providing that family support is not an easy task either. It is important to know how to organize and take care of yourself so that the family does not end up also exhausted and weakened by this situation. I hope these five tips help you ...
1. Inform yourself and prepare:
Whether due to illness or treatment, the person with cancer will have many physical changes - such as weight loss, hair loss or nausea - and mood swings - such as bad mood, intolerance, depression or pessimism - that can scare or affect to the family too. Don't let those situations surprise you. By being previously informed about possible symptoms or side effects, they will be better prepared to know what to do when they occur, or at least accept them better.
2. The patient has the last word:
When a loved one is sick with cancer, everyone would like to comment on the treatment. But many times they can expose you to aggressive treatments that your body or your mood no longer resist. That is why it is important that they do not forget that the patient is the only one who can know what their body feels, and it is important to respect their decisions, even if they are not what others want.
3. Teamwork:
Cancer treatment can be slow and exhausting for everyone. That is why it is important that the responsibilities do not fall solely on one person, since she or he will quickly run out. And, finally, that may affect the mood of the patient because possibly what he or she least wants is to affect you with your illness. It is best to distribute the tasks among several members, so nobody runs out and they will always be available to give a voice of encouragement to the patient who at this moment needs it more than ever.
4. Accept external help:
Although it does not always happen, many times neighbors or friends would like to help but do not know how or do not dare. If they propose it, accept it. An occasional help taking care of the house during a hospital stay or picking up children from school is a relief for the great responsibility that the direct family of the cancer patient carries on their shoulders at this time.
5. Take care of yourself:
When you are exhausted or see the negative picture, you cannot be good support for the patient. Therefore, make sure you get enough sleep, eat well and have time to take care of your personal affairs. Learning relaxation techniques and exercising can also help you be calm and have a positive attitude. And if you feel that the situation is affecting you emotionally, seek help with a friend or a support group where you can vent your own emotions, which could also be quite affected.
Despite being a painful test of life, a disease such as cancer and its treatment can become a very enriching situation because it can strengthen the family union, motivate the demonstrations of affection that we often forget, or generate a personal reflection on what is really important in life.
Take it as an apprenticeship and an opportunity to show all your love and support to a loved one who is going through a difficult situation.
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