Another person who may be a member of your team is your caregiver. This can be a husband, wife, significant other, partner, brother, sister, son, daughter, friend or other family member. Again, what is most important in your relationship with this person is communication. Very often, in a chronic illness, which is what cancer is considered today, communication suffers – whether it is the person who has the illness or the person who is trying to take care of that person – very often both sides will withdraw or get reclusive since neither one wants to upset, or be a burden or cause concern to the other. There are many times that tears are shed only in the safety of a shower. These are very natural responses and reactions. Sometimes they can be worked through and sometimes you might need a little help and this can be provided by your doctor, nurse or professional counselors and therapists who are available to assist with any difficulties of this nature. 

 

 

Your pharmacist has a record of all the medications that are prescribed for you. These include prescriptions for all your medical challenges (i.e. cancer, diabetes, heart condition, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies etc.). They are available to answer questions about side-effects. The pharmacist can also tell you if you have been prescribed anything that might be contraindicated or conflict if it interacts with specific medications that you may be taking.

 

 

Many times there will be people who want to help you in some way. Sometimes this can feel overwhelming, especially if you are not feeling well and don’t know how to cope. It’s helpful if you can assign someone, for example a member of your family, to be the “go to” person.

 

The “go to” person is the one who can, either by telephone or by emails/websites via the computer, give updates on how you are and organize those friends and family who would like to help you by giving them different assignments, for example, run errands, precook meals, help out with children, drive you to appointments, etc..