SUPPORT SYSTEM

   A support system is an important part of dealing with cancer for both the patient and the family.  In most cases the patient won’t be able to handle their everyday responsibilities along with dealing with the cancer.

   Whether it be going to appointments and therapies or simple things like shopping, it is not only nice to have someone to help, it is most often a necessity.  Rely on family and friends.  You are also helping them by letting them help you in the only way they can.  It is a terrible helpless feeling to love someone and not be able to help them when they are facing something as devastating as cancer.  And even if they don’t offer, don’t be afraid to ask for their help.  They can’t read their minds and at a time like this they are very careful not to overstep any boundaries in fear of upsetting you anymore than you already are.

   A husband or wife have a great deal of responsibility just helping the patient.  All their time and energy goes towards the patients needs.  It can truly be a blessing to have someone come in and help with household chores.  There are always things a person can do to help out.  Maybe the trash needs to be taken to the curb once a week, the lawn mowed or watered.  If you sew, make the patient a lap pad for warmth when they get chills from the radiation and chemo treatments.  Or maybe sew something to put on their walker to hold personal items. 

   There are many support groups in the community and especially at the hospitals for the cancer patient and also for families.  By talking to other people in the same situation, you can get helpful hints, express what you are feeling and get instant feedback.  Cancer doesn’t just strike the victim, it strikes everyone close to them.

   Libraries are full of books written by cancer patients and their families.  It is a good source for questions usually not covered in the Dr’s office.  Many cancer clinics have a library open to the public with the most recent books and periodicals available for your use.  You can also find information about tests going on for new treatments, new drugs available, and articles written by the most outstanding Dr’s in the field.

   One thing is certain.  No two cases are identical just as no two people are identical.  Some of what you hear from people is quite negative due to the death of someone they loved who died of cancer.  Others have remarkable stories to tell.  And no matter what you are told the percentage of recovery is, no one can know the power of God nor the future.  There are patients that were told they had no chance of recovery who showed the Dr’s just how wrong they could be.  They fought the cancer and won.  They went on to live long lives, cancer free.

   Among every profession there are those who are so brilliant, it defies all we know about the human as a person.  And then there are those who just barely get a passing grade.  Knowledge is power.  This is your life you are gambling with.  Investigate your Dr. and choose one you feel absolutely confident in.  After all this is a bond that has to be the strongest you can create.  After all you are going into battle together.  The battle against cancer is not to be taken lightly.

   But through all of this, remember to rely on every bit of support you can get from family, friends, and professionals.

   After surgery and treatments, recovery can be a long drawn out process.  At first, people are calling and stopping by a lot more often than when the recovery takes months.  Don’t be shy about picking up the phone and calling old friends or family members.  People are afraid of disturbing you.  They know you need rest and time to heal.  They haven’t forgotten about you, they are trying to be considerate.  It’s ok to let people know you would like to have visitors.  It’s important for the patient to have something to think about besides what they are going through.  They need to be kept in the loop of what is going on around them even though they can’t be a part of it at this very moment.

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