How to Support Cancer Patients and Their Families

Understanding the Impact of Cancer

Emotional Toll on Patients: Address how cancer diagnoses affect patients emotionally, leading to feelings of fear, helplessness, and anxiety.
Family Dynamics: Discuss how a cancer diagnosis can alter family roles and relationships, highlighting the importance of support.
Financial Strain: Explain the potential financial burdens that cancer treatment can impose on patients and their families.

Encouraging Open Dialogue: Share tips on fostering an environment where patients feel comfortable expressing their feelings and concerns.
Sometimes it is hard to say you have the Big C..look at me for example I just cannot ever say that word...instead I shorten it...sounds lighter...not so serious...and you keep smiling and saying you are ok...but inside you hurt...that's because we protect the ones we love just like they protect us
Active Listening Techniques: Emphasize the importance of truly listening to patients, validating their experiences, and responding thoughtfully.
Sometimes what we say is NOT what we really think...we want you happy and not to worry so sometimes when there is a real glitch in our hearts it's to protect you...just like you are trying to protect us
Avoiding Clichés and Platitudes: Advise against using overly simplistic reassurances that may minimize the patient’s experience.
Personally I absolutely hate things like..."poor baby" ..the pity party saying
and also the you've got this phrase...yes I got this..oh yeah..now what am I going to do with it?
Thanks for trying but sad puppy eyes and pity parties are not what we need...how about a week at the beach? Time with you for a very lightweight day out
A babysitter so we can rest

Organizing Care Schedules: Suggest tools and methods for managing treatments, appointments, and medication schedules effectively.
This sounds very technical and hopefully you are no where near this level of needing care help but if you are accept it, be grateful, and take a deep breath and go with the flow
Meal Preparation and Nutrition: Offer guidance on nutritious meal planning and preparation to ensure patients maintain strength and health.
What meals, right? Some can eat and enjoy full meals. I was on trying to digest protein shakes for a while. My son was driving me around in his first car and I totally lost the shake...had to stop at a dollar store (the only place available) and get a new top. Thankfully I had lost so much weight I could wear his extra pair of sports shorts.
to the patient----do not dehydrate...I know a few sips fills your lil tummy but remember you want to get well and a few sips will help I promise.
Transportation Assistance: Provide resources for arranging transport to and from treatment facilities.
Who drives? You, a family member, a ride? Be sure to have things arranged in time for pickup. If you are not up to it get someone to help keep you organized. A good calendar, Alexa reminders, and good people are important right now.

Encouraging Professional Help: Discuss the benefits of therapy and counseling for both patients and family members to manage the emotional workload.
talking to someone who cares-sharing your feelings-
Peer Support Groups: Highlight the value of connecting with others facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
a support group is a great idea-gals and guys who are on a very similar journey will help. You might even make a few great friends and support each other.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Practices: Introduce techniques like meditation, yoga, or other relaxation practices to help manage stress.
yoga, stretches, a walk outside and other healing activities

Delegating Responsibilities: Provide advice on how tasks can be divided among family members to prevent burnout.
Who does what? Try to be flexible. Maybe not.
Encouraging Family Communication: Stress the importance of keeping family members in the loop about the patient’s health and needs. Again be careful you don't have to say what you don't want to say....
Setting Boundaries: Discuss the necessity of creating boundaries to ensure both patient and family caregiver well-being. Boundaries with this? Bet you are laughing...after all the exams, cute hospital gowns, and more this has to give you a smile. You set your boundaries where they can to make you comfortable and to still fill as much as you can like you.

Acknowledging Progress: Encourage families to celebrate milestones, no matter how small, to cultivate positive energy and hope.
a char, calendar, marking off the days, getting a great report
Creating Meaningful Memories: Suggest ways families can create joyful experiences together, fostering connection and resilience.
play as much as you can, enjoy life, enjoy the donut is what one lady told me, just look forward to a nice hot donut, think about it while you are getting your treatments, what kind of donut, the way it will taste in your mouth, and how under treatment you can usually eat as many donuts as you want without gaining a pound
Documenting the Journey: Recommend keeping a journal or photo album to track progress and share experiences over time.
My document was sketching pictures and notes to tell you. I was in shock and could not believe the things we have to go through so I wanted to tell as much as I could and as a teacher I wanted to organize it in a book.
What's your plan?

Finding Local Organizations: Provide guidance on identifying local cancer support organizations that offer resources and funding.
Online Support Resources: List websites and forums where patients and families can find additional information and community support.
Educational Materials: Discuss the importance of seeking educational resources to better understand the disease and treatment options.

The Importance of Togetherness: The journey is a shared experience with you and your friends and family. Perhaps some even long distance members. The bond of togetherness can give strength and support emotionally and physicall. Reach out if you don't have that support and ask your center or church to help find you a buddy for the ride.
Empowerment Through Knowledge: The Big C changes things. Your friends and family will want to help. Don't shut them out! Feel free to ask!
I encourage you to make plans: Depending on how you feel maybe shopping at the grocery store would be a fun start. A trip to a blooming garden? A movie? Sleeping outside on the back porch and catching some waves?
Plan things you want to do/see/experience: go to games, concerts, dance, go to events. All good things in time.
Message of Hope: One day, one step at a time. You are surrounded by love and support. If not, ask for help and someone to buddy with as you go through the journey.
Don't forget to laugh and giggle. Let the joy in your heart release!
My first cancer book "It's All About the Hair: Your Cancer Journey" has many helpful suggestions to continue this conversation.
Feel free to write down comments or send me an email if you have supportive ideas. These are suggestions and I hope they encourage and support you on your journey.
Blessings! Marcia and Lexi Poo