When a loved one gets diagnosed with cancer, most people want to know how they can help. Cancer is a difficult thing to go through, and relationships become more precious during this time. There are many ways you can help take care of your loved one and help them go through cancer treatment. Here are six ways to aid in the treatment process.
Learn about pain management
Even though the success of cancer treatments continues to increase, there is also an increased risk for recovering patients to become addicted to medications used for pain management. For the treatment of cancer pain, oncologists often suggest initially working with non-opioid pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen and increasing dosage according to the level of pain. If these aren’t successful, then moving on to weak opioids is suggested. Staying on a safe path for pain management can ensure that issues with opioid addiction don’t plague your loved one after they recover from cancer.
Plan meals
According to Health, meal planning is probably one of the best things that you can do because of the profound effect food can have on emotional, physical and psychological health. This is a good way to save your loved one some time and show support. When you’re planning meals, focus on including foods that are proven at helping with cancer. Start small. Try to plan just one meal a day, and once you’re comfortable, you can bump it up more.
Coordinate home organization
Keeping a clean home is a definite labor in itself, but when cancer is thrown on top of regular home maintenance and work, keeping the house clean can feel like an impossible uphill battle. According to Today, there are good services available to help cancer patients clean their homes and stay on top of day-to-day cleaning and chores. Often, the services are offered at little to no cost for the patient.
If your loved one chooses not to have a service, you can help out yourself. Set up a schedule with tasks you can help your loved one with over the course of the week. If you take care of these responsibilities, it will allow them to focus on recovery as a decluttered, clean, and organized home promotes relaxation.
Do things they love
Sometimes cancer patients aren’t allowed to do all the activities that they really enjoyed pre-cancer, but there are definitely fun things they want to do. These activities can range from playing video games or talking the day away. Ask your loved one about things that they would love to do and make an active effort to make it happen.
This is one of the most powerful ways that you can build their emotional and psychological resolve. It gives both of you the chance to build fun memories and strengthen the bond that you share.
Help them socialize
Socializing is a good way for cancer patients to build resilience and live a richer life that increases the chances of remission. You can set up opportunities for other friends or family members to all get together and express their support. On an individual level, you can also be a force for good by setting aside regular time to spend with your loved one. A good support system can do wonders.
Attend appointments and find help
Taking your loved one to appointments is one thing. If they need some support or help, being with them throughout the appointment is one way you can go the extra mile and show them how much you care. Sometimes appointments can be hard to go through and bring extra baggage, and just your presence can make all the difference.
If your loved one isn’t recovering through traditional treatment, consider enrolling them in a clinical trial. For example, if they have leukaemia or lymphoma, you can attempt to find a clinical trial that uses new treatments such as biologic treatments, new types of chemotherapy, and stem cell transplants.
These are just a few suggestions. There are many ways, big and small, that you can take care of your loved one when they go through cancer treatment. Try to do what you can to ease their burden, but remember also to take care of yourself. You’ll bond through the process and make those little moments really count.
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