My name is Marilyn Baker, and I have horrible allergies. I’m 42 years old and have been suffering from allergies since I was a child. I have seasonal and environmental allergies. Allergies plague me year round. When I was young, my parents even moved to a dryer area in the hope of helping me. Over the past eight years, I have done extensive research both through doctors and online. I have managed to come up with some combinations that have helped me a great deal. My allergies aren’t gone, but they have become manageable. I do have to have allergy shots, but I also use some natural remedies. I am happy to be able to share my findings with you here on my blog. I hope you can find some of this of value.
When a beloved member of your family gets diagnosed with cancer, you may not know how to react. Grief, anger, denial, and depression are all common reactions among cancer patients and their immediate families upon first learning of a cancer diagnosis. However, you also are likely wondering what you can do to help and support your family member in their time of extreme need and distress. Luckily there are several steps that you can take to be supportive of and helpful to your loved one as they begin their battle with cancer. Here is what you need to know about being there for your loved one.
Do Not Deny Your Emotions
When you are trying to be supportive of your loved one with cancer, your first instinct may be to deny or suppress your feelings and emotions. However, this will not actually do you or your loved one any good.
You may come across as disingenuous and cold to your loved one, and you will suffer emotionally as well. Instead, be honest with your loved one about how you are feeling. False optimism and cheeriness can actually be taxing to your loved one's mental state.
Be genuine and honest and it will do you and your loved one a great deal of good. They will feel that they can confide in you and address their fears and concerns with you and get a genuine response in return.
Help Them With Daily Tasks, But Do Not Treat Them As An Invalid
The last thing a sick person wants is a constant reminder that they are sick. While your loved one will likely need help with various tasks, ranging from a ride to their treatments to household tasks, shopping, cooking and the like, they do not want or need you to take over their life.
If you take it upon yourself to take up all of your loved one's tasks and responsibilities, they may feel as though they have lost their usefulness in life. People need to feel self-sufficient and independent no matter how ill they become.
So, by all means, provide your loved one with the assistance they need and ask for, but do not overstep your boundaries. Ask them what they would like help with, and if you see them struggling, ask before taking over a task.
Respect Your Loved One's Wishes
When it comes to cancer treatment options, you and your loved one may not always see things eye-to-eye. They may opt for overly aggressive treatment or no treatment at all, depending on any number of factors regarding their cancer.
While you may not agree with their choices, be respectful and supportive. Express your concerns and opinions calmly and rationally, but do not push your thoughts upon them or try to manipulate them into changing their mind. This will not help the situation.
Be respectful and support them through their choices and treatment (or lack thereof). They need to feel like you have their back through whatever is to come.
If you follow these simple guidelines for helping and supporting your loved one with cancer, you will be able to maintain your own mental and emotional health while supporting your loved one at the same time. So, keep these ideas in mind and you will not go wrong.
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