5 Ways To Help A Loved One With Cancer
By Tucson Medical Center
·
09/19/2019
When someone close to you receives a cancer diagnosis, it’s natural to want to be supportive.
But you might be unsure of how to do that in a helpful way.
We spoke with Kimberly Kastel, a nurse navigator in the Thoracic Oncology Program at Tucson Medical Center, for advice. Her job is to help patients understand their diagnosis, treatment and options as well as be their advocate.
“One of the most important things you can do to show support is to be understanding and available, but not take over,” Kastel said. “Ask what you can do for them.”
- Offer to go to the doctor with your loved one, but try not to freak out when you hear about chemo, radiation or other treatments. Rather, show support and be positive. On that same note, know that chemo treatments and side effects are a lot different than they used to be. If there are side effects, they are usually manageable.
- Before the appointment, encourage the patient to write down questions as not to forget them at the doctor’s office.
- Also, let the nurse navigator or someone who isn’t as close to the patient on a personal level take notes so you can focus. Your nurse navigator will write down everything the doctor says in a way your family can understand. She will then go over it with you again to ensure you know what’s going on.
- Listen to your loved one’s concerns, fears and hopes. Offer words of encouragement and support.
- Independence is important, especially when you have an illness. It’s easy to try and take the reins so your loved one can rest. But try not to do everything. If they feel up to it, let them do the things that make them feel normal, whether that’s cooking for the family, working in the yard or running errands.
- Don’t freak yourself out more by consulting Google. Your care providers will have a list of reputable websites you can use for references. Ask for them.
- If you’re the caregiver, take time out for yourself. Allow a friend or family member to stay with your loved one so you can step away and do things on your own, even if that’s just a solo trip to the store.
