Caring For Cancer Patients

How does cancer typically affect the patient's relationships?

In my personal relationship, my husband was my hero. He was there for me every step of the way, and he really helped me get through my cancer. And I see most spouses being wonderful. They rise to the occasion. It's really the rare spouse who are not there and don't rise to the occasion. But I've seen it happen. So I would say, if you have a good relationship, you do pretty great. You do okay. And if you have a bad relationship, it's just another problem within your fight against cancer

Do I always need to be 'the strong one' when taking care of a cancer patient?

No, I don't think you always have to be the strong one when looking after a cancer patient. But I think it really helps if you're strong with them and you have someone else that you can unload or vent to, because I really think that the cancer patient will need to feel that you're the rock to help them get through the cancer.

Can caring for someone with cancer cause depression?

Absolutely, caring for someone with cancer can cause depression. It can be a long process and depending on what the cancer prognosis is, it could really become difficult and lead to depression.

If I'm a caregiver to a cancer patient, should I join a cancer support group?

I think if you need to join a cancer support group, absolutely. I think if you're a caregiver to someone with cancer, it can be so stressful on you, so you have to take care of yourself. And if you think a cancer support group would help you, absolutely.