How To Support a Loved One During Their Cancer Treatment

By Rachelle Wilbur

A cancer diagnosis is very overwhelming. The journey is physically and emotionally draining, and it’s painful to see a loved one through it. Without personally struggling with the disease, it’s essential to offer support to patients. Here are tips on how to support a loved one during their cancer treatment.

Listen

When it comes to a cancer diagnosis, it’s vital to offer a listening ear without trying to fix things. Try to be strong and avoid becoming overly emotional when they speak. That will ensure that they willingly open up the next time without having to feel burdened by your response.

Self Check

Before embarking on breast cancer treatment, a loved one usually has many scenarios that come to mind. It’s easy to find yourself expressing negative emotions as difficult emotions come up when you realize your worst fears. Take time and first deal with the negative emotions. With a positive mindset and attitude, you can maintain hope and offer the same to your loved one.

Help

Many burdens come with being diagnosed with cancer. Although the treatment might be effective, the body is still sick and cannot function optimally. Worse still, there’s standard cancer-related fatigue and side effects of treatment. Help in every step of the way physically by cooking, driving to appointments, and making it easier for them. Additionally, there’s a financial burden. If possible, take on a few bills to help alleviate the burden. Set up a fundraising platform to help raise funds to help with payment of treatment, among other expenses.

Interact Normally

Cancer patients lament that their time to live might be limited. You don’t have to remind them of the same. Speak as you would before the diagnosis and add a touch of humor in the interactions to help them realize all is not doom.

Respect Their Privacy

After interacting with a loved one suffering from cancer, respect their need to be alone. Give your loved ones personal space if they explicitly express they want to be alone to rest or ponder on issues. Balance times to ensure they are comfortable and have enough human interaction when needed.

Remember to take care of yourself when caring for a cancer patient. Take time off and enjoy personal interests to avoid being overshadowed by the dread of the disease and prevent caregiver fatigue. Gather information on how best to help loved ones, weighing the different outcomes available.

About the Author

Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/people/Rachelle-Wilber/100009221637700/

*Photo courtesy of Rachelle Wilbur