We all hope to pass through life never experiencing cancer up close. When we consider, however, that roughly 38.4 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, it’s almost impossible to avoid. While we spend much of our lives cancer-free, we may know a friend, sibling, or parent who is diagnosed with cancer.
A diagnosis is not a death sentence, and people can beat cancer. The fight against cancer, however, is difficult. You, as a friend or family member, will feel a desire to be there for your loved one as they face this challenging time. Between treatment, research, and fear of the unknown, your loved one has a great deal ahead of him or her. If you’re looking for ways to assist a diagnosed love one, here are four ways to help.
Become the Coordinator
Many friends and family members will want to help while your loved one receives treatment. Scheduling meal drop-offs, cleaning help, and other volunteer gifts, however, can be a huge hassle—and it’s the last thing you want your loved one to have to deal with. Appoint yourself as the volunteer coordinator. When people want to do chores and make meals, you can make sure the time is a good one. That way, your loved one won’t have to worry about it.
Help with Research
Cancer care is complex. Your loved one has much on their plate already, so offering to do some research on their specific cancer and various treatments could go a long way toward easing a burden off their shoulders. If you’re near the New Jersey area, you can find New Jersey state-of-the-art treatments and cancer care services. If you live in Michigan, you can find ground-breaking research and new treatment options. Help your loved one find the best possible care.
Go Along for Treatment
Chemotherapy is both frightening and physically draining. While your loved one sits in the waiting room, before treatment, your presence provides an emotional anchor and a much-needed distraction. Immediately following chemo, you can sit in with your friend or family member, while the doctor follows up with him or her. If you take notes, you can relieve the pressure for your exhausted loved one to remember everything the doctor says.
Give Comfort
Besides treatment, research, and volunteering, your loved one may simply need comfort. Offer to come over and watch a movie. Help them laugh, or cry with them. Whatever they need, try to be there. If your loved one lives alone, the comfort of a pet might go a long way toward making them feel better. You can buy a Morkie in Florida or head to your local shelter and help them pick out a cat. You’ll want to volunteer your time to take care of the animal from time to time, since a new pet can be a lot of work. However, the comfort of a furry companion could be a huge blessing in your loved one’s life.
Photo by Sydney Rae
Paola Ramirez
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