Life seems to slow down and speed up all at once when your loved one is diagnosed with cancer. The world may have turned upside down upon receiving the news and often focusing is a struggle especially for the cancer patient.
Cancer is the second death cause in the world. It is a disease that develops from abnormal cells and eventually divides uncontrollably and destroys normal cells. It can develop anywhere in the body.
Cancer cells grow rapidly and multiply more than other cells in the patient’s body. And the most effective way to kill invasive cells is chemotherapy. However, the strong chemical and medicine it uses can also bring side effects. Some of them are mild and are treatable, but others will cause serious problems. Several unpleasant side effects can dampen anyone’s mood.
The objective of chemotherapy depends on the type of cancer and how far it has spread. Sometimes it will kill cancer until is gone. But if it is unable to cure the disease, it can delay or make the growth slower.
Chemotherapy is one of the most common forms of cancer treatment, but it is a hard process. The patient will undergo a difficult treatment to cure the disease. Sometimes, it takes a very long time especially if the cancer is at the last stage.
For loved ones and friends who want to help but don’t have the capacity to help financially, expressing support to the patient is the best way to let him or her overcome the fear.
Your support can help the patient cope with the physical and mental stress associated with cancer and its aftermath. Being supportive to comfort the patient may come in different ways. A patient may find it hard to accept to avoid inconvenience to others but they will appreciate it.
Here are effective ways to comfort a cancer patient who is undergoing chemotherapy:
- Make them meals. Take note of the diet restrictions of the patient if you decide to prepare on your own.
- Offer help especially in house chores. A person undergoing chemotherapy is usually tired especially after the session so make sure you can lend a helping hand around the house.
- Drive them through the hospital from time to time.
- Make plans to look forward to when the therapy is done.
- Ask before you visit.
- Offer to take care of the children or your/your loved one’s siblings if they have to.
- Take care of their pets (If there’s any).
- Give gifts that they like.
- Someone with cancer may be very sensitive. To genuinely show your concern is a big help to the patient. Emotional support plays a big role when it comes to improving the quality of life of someone regularly undergoing chemo.
To avoid miscommunication and conflicts to the patient, here are things you can do:
- Respect their privacy.
- Laugh with them if it’s appropriate.
- A simple hug can uplift them to feel they are not alone.
- Support them of what they want and what they need as long as it will help them to be stronger.
- Treat them the same. Don’t let them feel they are different as they are before.
- Talk about positive topics and motivate them always.
- Know your limit if things are getting sensitive but at the same time make other ways to let them feel comfortable.
- It is also important to note that when the patient gets upset and doesn’t want to talk, don’t take it personally. Avoid pressuring him to be strong and be positive at all times; you don’t know the pain they are into.
- Do not compare them with others. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have different situations and struggles. Antagonizing the patient will just make him feel weaker. Instead, be a good listener. Be sensitive and be aware of his thoughts and feelings. You don’t have to be a superhero that will give an immediate solution to his concern. Listening to him is just enough.
- Here are some tips on how to be a good listener:
- Don’t interfere when they are talking.
- Don’t advise if it’s unnecessary.
- Don’t cheer them up when they are crying. Let them feel that it is okay to be sad and it is normal to cry and it does not show weakness.
- Don’t change the subject if it’s kind of upsetting. Just tell them how you feel.
- Being honest to the patient and not knowing what to say or keeping silent is fine. Listening is an important part of emotional support.
If you are bothered that you think you are not giving the right support to the cancer patient undergoing medication, talk to a medical professional. You can find a walk in clinic in Hamilton and speak with a doctor that can guide you through.
If you decide to help, remember that any support and love you provide can make a big difference. You are helping the patient to overcome fear and focus on healing and getting back to living life.
