They need support, so
that they don’t fall victim to depression, a common risk incurred by family
members caring for a cancer patient. Where can you turn? What
exactly should you expect to experience as your partner navigates her fight
with cancer?
And when will you be able to think about yourself and your needs again? These are some ways of getting support for yourself :
These groups have a diversity of members of all ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Some groups also have members who have experienced all types of cancer diagnoses.
However, groups exist specifically for breast cancer partner support—especially in cities with a high population.
Talking with others who know what you’re going through may teach you new coping skills.
Group members can also tell you what to expect during the course of your loved one’s cancer treatment.
The counselor will understand how overwhelming shouldering your partner’s needs can be, and will help you navigate your emotions.
Once your partner is on the mend, you can volunteer your services as a peer counselor.
Your partner may be worried about possibly losing her breast and not being attractive to you.
She may feel guilty about not being able to contribute to household duties, or that she’s neglecting the children.
Discuss what systems you’ve put into place to reduce her burden of day-to-day activities, and improve the quality of family time.
Just be sure not to overwhelm them with duties, and allow them to continue to participate in activities outside the house.
Schedule outings for the entire family to enjoy if your partner feels up to it.
If she isn’t strong enough, board or card games with the whole family will allow the children to feel that even though their mother is ill, good family times can still happen.
Enlist extended family members or friends to help with the children, whether it’s driving them to school or giving them some time away from the house and their mother’s illness.
Remember to take time away for yourself. Ask for someone to stay with your partner and recharge and relax with an activity that’s just for you.
You have a difficult job ahead, but don’t feel the need to do it alone.
Reaching out to others for help will keep you strong for your partner and allow her to concentrate on beating breast cancer.
And when will you be able to think about yourself and your needs again? These are some ways of getting support for yourself :
1. Support Groups
Check with your local church, library, and hospital for support groups for families of cancer patients.These groups have a diversity of members of all ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Some groups also have members who have experienced all types of cancer diagnoses.
However, groups exist specifically for breast cancer partner support—especially in cities with a high population.
Talking with others who know what you’re going through may teach you new coping skills.
Group members can also tell you what to expect during the course of your loved one’s cancer treatment.
2. Digital Support
Y-ME is a partner match program that supports partners of breast cancer patients by offering a peer counselor who had the same experience you’re having.The counselor will understand how overwhelming shouldering your partner’s needs can be, and will help you navigate your emotions.
Once your partner is on the mend, you can volunteer your services as a peer counselor.
3. At Home
Although you may not want to burden your partner with talk of your own feelings and emotions, communication can help you comfort each other.Your partner may be worried about possibly losing her breast and not being attractive to you.
She may feel guilty about not being able to contribute to household duties, or that she’s neglecting the children.
Discuss what systems you’ve put into place to reduce her burden of day-to-day activities, and improve the quality of family time.
4. Asking for Help
Depending on the age of children, you can assign them some extra household chores.Just be sure not to overwhelm them with duties, and allow them to continue to participate in activities outside the house.
Schedule outings for the entire family to enjoy if your partner feels up to it.
If she isn’t strong enough, board or card games with the whole family will allow the children to feel that even though their mother is ill, good family times can still happen.
Enlist extended family members or friends to help with the children, whether it’s driving them to school or giving them some time away from the house and their mother’s illness.
Remember to take time away for yourself. Ask for someone to stay with your partner and recharge and relax with an activity that’s just for you.
You have a difficult job ahead, but don’t feel the need to do it alone.
Reaching out to others for help will keep you strong for your partner and allow her to concentrate on beating breast cancer.
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