Cancer
Cancer Articles for Caregivers
The Importance of Bone Health in Advanced Cancer
As patients and caregivers may know, cancer can spread to other parts of the body, including the bone. Tumors that result from cancer that spreads to the bone are called bone metastases (or bone mets) Read more
The Trouble with Hope
I had a strained relationship with hope before my wife was diagnosed with cancer. Read more
Helping Cancer Patients Protect their Family and Everyone’s Drinking Water
Chemotherapy drugs are life-saving drugs and can be given on an out-patient basis. This allows the patients to return home where their families can care for them. The most powerful chemotherapeutic drugs are genotoxic – they directly attack DNA. Read more
11:57 AM
Recovery Room Kit
A few years ago, my mom underwent major surgery to remove a brain tumor. The day of her surgery felt like the longest day of my life. Because she didn’t have any family members in the area, I was going to be her primary caregiver. Read more
Thrombosis: The Hidden Risks and What Cancer Caregivers Need to Know
Thrombosis — the formation of blood clots in a vein or artery — can affect anyone. But cancer patients are at higher risk of thrombosis than the general population, so caregivers should be particularly aware Read more
Keeping an Eye on Long-Term Health while Managing a Cancer Diagnosis
I remember hearing the doctor say to my husband, “You’ve got cancer,” and immediately wondered if I had misheard those words. Cancer diagnoses can result in many emotions for caregivers. You may struggle for another breath, cry... Read more
Two Relationships in One
To be entrusted with the care of another human being is one of the greatest honors that can be bestowed on you Read more
Cancer Caregivers: Their Worries and Sleep Problems
A loved one’s cancer diagnosis is life-changing, for them and for you. Even when you’re willing and able to become the primary caregiver, the reality is that the demands of caregiving can have a profound effect on your health. Read more
Understanding Infection Risk During Chemotherapy
People receiving chemotherapy may be at risk for getting infections. You are likely to be at higher risk between seven and 12 days after you have received each chemotherapy treatment Read more
A Nice Touch
The day began ominously enough. Low clouds, shrouded in mourning colors, hung heavily in the sky, threatening to weep during the class at the Botanical Gardens. Read more
Open Homes Medical Stays
The Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation’s Open Homes Medical Stays program provides free temporary accommodations to patients diagnosed with any form of cancer or undergoing a hematopoietic stem cell transplant, as well a Read more
Keeping Safe at Home with Chemotherapy
As more and more chemotherapy is given in outpatient clinics and at home, it is extremely important that caregivers and patients understand the risks and hazards that household members may be exposed to. Read more
A Terminal Diagnosis Does Not Terminate Living
When my father began our phone conversation with the words, "Are you sitting down?" I knew the news to follow would not be good; but I never in my wildest dreams imagined he would tell me my 73-year-old mother was terminally ill... Read more
A Year of Alzheimer's
“It’s a Puh.. Puh… Puh… word.” I desperately explained to my husband. He turned his head away from me and walked into the other room. I stood there alone, bereft, defeated, feeling the tears burn through my embarrassment and frustration. Read more
When Your Caregiving Days Are Over
I am a facilitator of a Cancer Caregiver Support Group in Ohio. In the course of our meetings, several topics surface. One that got my attention most recently was: How a caregiver moves on once their caregiving days are done. Read more
Caregiving by Men: A Husband's Perspective
The formal diagnosis of ovarian cancer was confirmed after seven hours of surgery at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Read more
16 Stress Reduction Strategies
The following coping strategies have helped me in my attempts to live a balanced life. Because caregiving is such a universal task, faced by nearly all of us at one time or another, I hope you find these strategies helpful as well. Read more
Ovarian Cancer Caregiving
An estimated 19,710 Americans will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023 – barring a big breakthrough, only half will be alive in 5 years Read more
6:16 AM
5 Lessons on Dealing with a Spouse with Cancer
While my husband David did not die from his cancer, his diagnosis did introduce the stark reality of what could happen. Read more