Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
A cancer diagnosis can deeply affect even the strongest families. It can strain relationships, cause emotional and mental distress, and create financial challenges. If you have a family member recently diagnosed with cancer, this guide provides vital tips to help you and your family navigate this incredibly difficult life battle.
Understand their Cancer Diagnosis
While you don’t need to master every medical terminology, you need to understand your loved one’s cancer diagnosis. Learn the cancer type, available treatments, success stories, stages, research advancements, and other relevant facts.
For instance, if your family member’s cancer was caused due to exposure to harmful chemicals such as firefighting foam, learn the steps to filing a firefighter foam settlement. Understanding the specifics of your loved one’s cancer can help you provide better support and assistance.
Accompany Your Loved One to The Hospital
No matter how strong your loved one is, your presence can help lessen their anxiety, stress levels and motivate them to move forward. Offer to go with them to their doctor appointments and treatments.
Accompanying them to their scheduled appointments also enables you to talk to your family member’s primary doctor and medical team. They can address any concerns or worries you may have about your loved one’s progress and provide you with helpful at-home care strategies.
Delegate the Household Tasks
Share responsibilities within the home. This can help alleviate the stress for both your loved one and the rest of the family. List all the necessary chores and assign them to each family member, based on their age, ability, and availability.
Clearly define their responsibilities, particularly the frequency and timeframe for completion. However, avoid micromanaging or acting like a tyrant when giving instructions. Remember, everyone in your family is affected by your loved one’s diagnosis, so practice patience and remain flexible.
Offer Them Positive Encouragement
Since your loved one needs plenty of encouragement, you need to be more mindful of your words, behavior, and attitude. Provide them with positive reinforcement, but give them enough space and time. In addition, encourage your loved one to continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This may include avoiding harmful substances, eating properly, exercising regularly, and following medical advice.
Become their Sounding Board
However challenging it is for you and your family, this entire journey is a rollercoaster of emotions for your loved one. Let your family member know that you are there for them wholeheartedly. Be there to listen and allow them to express their feelings and concerns without judgment.
Avoid giving your family member false hopes, unsolicited medical advice, or forcing them to see the positives in their situation. Acknowledge their thoughts and sentiments, no matter how dark or negative they are. Remember, your family member needs all the emotional support they can get, so become their safe space.
Endnote
Supporting a family member with cancer requires understanding, presence, practical assistance, encouragement, and open communication. With these tips, you can help your loved one navigate their cancer journey more effectively and improve their overall quality of life.
