Supporting yourself
and a loved one
When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, you may be asked to help take care of this person and join their support network, making you a caregiver. See what you can expect as a caregiver and how to prioritize taking care of yourself.
Actor portrayals.
Becoming a caregiver means becoming part of a team that includes doctors, nurses, patient care coordinators, and other healthcare professionals. As an advocate and important part of the support network, caregivers can take on many roles. These roles can change as your loved one’s needs change during treatment. Some of the things you may be asked to do to help as a caregiver include:
Your loved one may want you to communicate to a larger community of friends and family about their condition by answering calls or sending emails.
As a friend or family member, it’s important to provide companionship to your loved one. This could be as simple as enjoying a meal together, or you could attend medical appointments, run errands, or help with household chores.
Taking the person you are caring for to doctor’s appointments may be a big part of your caregiving experience. You may provide emotional support, but you also may be asked to take notes on doctor’s instructions, keep track of medications, and ask the treatment team questions to clarify diagnosis and treatment options. It’s important to learn how to speak to a doctor and ask important questions.
Marcia is the matriarch of her family of four. Find out more about her experience becoming a caregiver to her younger brother, John, after he was suddenly diagnosed with advanced lung cancer and began receiving OPDIVO.
As a caregiver, you are trying to strike a balance each day by caring for your loved one while also keeping up with the demands of your family and work. It’s important to take care of your well-being, reduce your stress levels, and reach out for support when you need it so you can maintain a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
Here are some ideas to help you take care of yourself as you take care of your loved one:
Remember to reach out for support when you need it so you can maintain a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
To learn more about caring for someone with cancer, download the Taking Good Care: A Guide for Those Helping a Loved One brochure.
This guide is designed to help you along the way with tips about how you can help your loved one, how you can help you, keeping on top of the details, and much more.
Explore resources to help you along your treatment journey
Learn more about the complimentary OPDIVO with You support program
