The research reported by a reputed institution described that more than 1.7 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2019. However, each of these cancer-related numbers represents Bruce and Sheila’s of all ages. If they survive the disease, they would like their lives to continue as before. More information has become known about how to help cancer survivors. Below are 7 examples of how to help patients deal with cancer and the treatments involved.
1. Let people help you!
When the big “C” enters your life, patients need all the help they can receive. Friends and family will be happy to grocery shop or drive you to scheduled appointments. When your close family, friends, or neighbours ask how they can help, make a list of things that you will need help with.
They will delegate among themselves how best to provide what you need. Cancer patients will not always have the mental or physical strength to get through each day. This is the time to allow others to lend a helping hand.
2. Attend counselling.
Your medical staff, i.e., surgeon, nurses, physician assistant, oncologist, are familiar with cancer support professionals. Cancer doctors will, in all likelihood, suggest that you attend counselling sessions for people living with cancer. There are many different support systems available locally within your residential area.
Counsellors in the field of cancer research and treatment have experience in helping patients cope with all the emotions and illnesses that will be experienced by patients.
3. Include the children.
Parents who discover that they have cancer often try to hide it from the family. Parents mean well, but they believe that children would not understand. They can tell when something is off. Naturally, parents wish to protect their children emotionally and physically. However, by not including the children into the equation, is doing more harm than good.
You must dumb it down a little to let them know about your health depending on the age of the children. Re-assure them that you, with their help, are going to fight this disease and win! You will be surprised how mature even five years old becomes when there is a life and death health goal for mommy, daddy, or grannies.
4. Doctors attending to the needs of a cancer patient has an obligation.
They must listen and inform. Patients are frightened and worried about the unknown. Follow-up visits after the initial consultation will be more about how the patient is feeling, both physically and emotionally. Physicians are to sit and listen. Then dispense the information and give support that a cancer patient will require. Make a cancer patient feel like you are in the fight with them. As a patient, please take copious notes on treatments and detailed information that your doctor will share with you.
5. Cancer patients would like their lives to continue as usual.
They don’t want to be viewed as different. When friends and family arrive for visits, they should treat cancer patients nearly the same as they did before the diagnosis. Help to keep the patient’s thoughts off of the “C” word. Make patients laugh and talk. Each time that you visit them to leave them with good memories or motivational moments to help them through the not-so-good treatments and chemo side-effects.
6. Maintaining a proper diet.
Individuals with cancer are not always going to feel like eating, exercising, or doing much of anything. In addition to the medication taken by patients, eating a proper diet is also part of the healing process. Though you may not feel like eating well, your dietary intake is essential.
Cancer support organizations and groups will provide the necessary information you need to help maintain the required dietary intake as part of your treatment. Family can also help by offering dishes that are delicious and healthy.
7. Keep looking good.
When cancer patients are taking copious amounts of treatments for the body’s insides, patients also need help with the outside appearance. There will be days when washing your face is about all you can muster to do. Cancer patients must be helped to keep their confidence and self-esteem intact.
The loss of certain body features can include hair loss, skin discolourations, and fingernail changes. This is the time when family & friends can treat patients to spa-like fun.
Eyebrows can be drawn on the face; wigs can be purchased or given freely by many cancer-related organizations. Makeup and personal care consultations are available with organic products that can help patients.
