Advice On How To Handle Living With A Cancer Patient
If you are living with a family member or close friend who has recently been diagnosed with cancer, then you need to understand that this is not going to be easy for either of you. Although their lives are going to be impacted, yours will be as well. Therefore, it is important that you are aware of some advice on how to handle living with a cancer loved one. Read the below article for this advice.
Maintain a healthy weight and diet and get plenty of exercise. Not only can it help you feel great everyday, but it can lower cancer risks too. To improve your attitude towards life and prevent some forms of cancer, make sure that you eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, drink an adequate amount of water and get a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise each day.
First, you need to understand that there is no one to blame when it comes to your loved one's cancer. It is not your fault, and it is not their fault. Unfortunately, bad things happen to people, even good people. Life is not fair, no matter how much we would like it to be. No matter what the situation is, blaming others is not going to do anyone any good.
Be aware of all the symptoms of major types of cancer. If you experience any of the symptoms, make a doctor's appointment as soon as possible, so that you give yourself the best opportunity to recover and live a healthy life. Some symptoms are lumps, unusual discharges, fever, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, pain, bowel habit changes, skin changes, or hoarseness or a nagging cough. Any combination of these symptoms can be a real red flag, so be sure to speak to your doctor if you are experiencing more than one.
Make sure that their cancer is not the focal point of your lives. Although you should not completely ignore it and pretend nothing is wrong, you do not need to completely focus on it. Continue to go out and do the stuff the two of you would normally do. Be social with others. Don't just sit at home moping about their cancer.
The more active you are in your own treatment, the better advocate for your care you will be. Make sure you stay in the situation. This does not do anything to improve your condition.
Although you should not allow cancer to consume your lives, you still should not act like it does not exist, because the cold hard truth is that it does. Allow them to gripe to you on occasion about their condition. Although they should not blame themselves or others, we all have moments of weakness sometimes. So, if they go on a rage and start blaming the world, reach out your hand, even if they start speaking badly about you. Understand that this is a terrible and confusing situation, and they are likely to lash out at you on occasion. Do not allow yourself to get mad or upset. They are only lashing out because they are upset themselves. You need to be their rock as much as you possibly can.
Learn to listen to and respect your body. Rest is the only solution to being tired. Healthier foods can also help if you are feeling tired and run down. Don't ignore the messages that your body is sending to you. Follow what your body is telling you.
Although the previous paragraph stated that you need to be their rock, that does not mean you should neglect your own feelings. You are only human, and their cancer likely makes you just as upset as them. Therefore, you need to take some time to grieve yourself. Cry when you need to. Talk to your friends and family about it. Also, although you may believe you should hide your feelings from your cancer loved one, this is just not true. Pretending like everything is fine is never a good thing. Let them know that you are scared as well. This can actually help them because they know they are not alone.
You like chip dip and you like fighting cancer, so combine the two and make some guacamole. Combine several chopped avocados with chopped tomatoes, jalapenos and green peppers. Mix in a little salt and squeeze a lime into it. Then mash it up. The main component of this dip, avocado, can limit cancerous cells from growing. It tastes good, and is good for you!
Finally, convince your cancer loved one to join a support group. Although you are doing all you can to support them, you are just one person. You can only do so much. Having a support group with lots of people, especially those who also have cancer, can be extremely beneficial for both them and you.
What you think will happen may in fact not happen. Have appreciation for all support you get.
Living with a family member or friend who has cancer is not an easy thing to do. However, your presence can tremendously help them overcome their cancer. Make use of the advice you have just read, and do not give up.
