Tips to Support Your Loved One During Cancer Treatment
Updated: Feb 15, 2020
Seeing a loved one struggle with cancer treatment isn’t easy. In fact, many people distance themselves instead of standing by and providing cancer support. Instead of distancing yourself, take a big step forward. Extend your hand and let your loved one know that you’re there for them, no matter what happens. Your loved one is probably thankful to have someone to lean on during the most difficult time in his or her life.
Tips to support your loved one during cancer treatment
Supporting your loved one during cancer treatment doesn’t have to be difficult or uncomfortable. These tips can help you enjoy your time with your loved one and help them feel better.
Listen
There is a lot of research that recommends you help a loved one stay positive during cancer treatment. You absolutely should, but you also need to let them express their fears, worries and concerns. If someone is discouraged from negative feelings and repeatedly told to stay positive, it may make them more upset and angry. Every so often, sit back and allow them to vent. An open expression of negative feelings can be cathartic and help them return to a positive mental attitude more easily.
Laugh
As the saying goes, laughter really is the best medicine — even if that laughter comes through tears. Studies have shown that episodes of laughter can reduce pain, decrease stress-related hormones, and boost patients’ immune systems. Medical journals have also recognized that laughter helps improve the quality of life for patients with chronic illnesses. So share a funny memory, a joke, or something funny that has recently happened. Laugh together and help your loved one feel better.
Celebrate
Though it may seem strange, it’s more important than ever to celebrate everything. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, the final chemo treatment — nothing should be too small to celebrate.
If you’re looking for compassionate, high quality cancer care for your loved one, call START Center for Cancer Care at 210-745-6841 to schedule an appointment, or use our easy online form. We use the most advanced treatments for cancer and have every aspect of cancer care for your loved one planned and ready.