For many of the over 20% of Americans providing unpaid caregiving, the experience can be emotionally draining, especially during chemotherapy. Feelings of helplessness, uncertainty, and frustration are common. This article offers practical tips on providing care and support.
Key Things to Know About Treatment
If your loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what to expect. While chemotherapy is a common treatment option, it's important to understand the basics. Breast cancer treatment often involves a combination of therapies, including:
Chemotherapy: Drugs (administered intravenously) to kill cancer cells
Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays to kill cancer cells
Hormone Therapy: Blocking the effects of hormones that can help cancer cells grow
Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth
Surgery: Removing the cancer or affected tissue
How Chemotherapy Works
Chemotherapy drugs work by targeting and killing rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. Unfortunately, these drugs can also affect normal cells that divide quickly, such as those in the blood, skin, and hair. This can lead to side effects like fatigue, hair loss, and weakened immune system. However, these side effects are usually temporary and resolve after treatment ends.
The duration and frequency of chemotherapy treatments vary depending on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, the treatment goals, and your loved one's response to the treatment. Chemo drugs are typically administered intravenously, often in cycles with breaks between treatments to allow the body to recover.
The Challenges Ahead
Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and physically taxing. Your loved one may experience feelings of anger, depression, or withdrawal as they cope with the uncertainty and fear associated with the disease. It's important to remember that these emotions are normal and part of the grieving process.
Keep in mind that chemotherapy can also cause poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or mouth and lip sores. Treatment may also lower the levels of healthy red and white blood cells, making your loved one fatigued and more susceptible to infections.
Practical Tips for Overall Care
Once you have a better understanding of what to expect during your loved one's treatment, you can start preparing and asking questions to provide effective support. For day-to-day assistance, you can try:
Handling administrative tasks: Help your loved one manage paperwork, such as medical records, bills, and insurance claims.
Assisting with medical appointments: Offer to accompany your loved one to doctor's appointments, take notes, or maintain a calendar of appointments.
Respecting their space: Understand that your loved one may experience emotional ups and downs. Give them space when needed.
Joining a support group: Connect with others going through similar experiences by joining a support group.
Taking care of yourself: Caregiving can be demanding. Remember to prioritize self-care, even if it's just a short walk or a relaxing activity. Seek professional support if needed. Remember, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Communicate openly: Don't hesitate to ask questions if you're unsure about something. Your role as a caregiver is to provide support, not to offer opinions or solutions. Share your feelings and listen actively when your loved one needs to talk.
Presidio Home Care and Chemotherapy
One of the most difficult jobs in the world is becoming a caretaker for a loved one. It can feel overwhelming and confusing but know that you’re not alone. At a time of great stress, such as during chemotherapy and the weeks that follow, Presidio Home Care Aides can provide additional assistance to your senior loved one. Whether it’s companionship, gentle reminders about medication or driving them to appointments, our Home Care Aides are here for you. Contact us today to learn more.
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