Cancer
Cancer Articles for Caregivers
Melanoma Risk Factors
If someone you know or a family member is diagnosed with melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, you might wonder if you are at risk as well. Melanoma is when skin cells called melanocytes grow out of control and become cancerous.
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.
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
Marilu Henner, A Truly Fearless Caregiver
Marilu Henner is a five-time Golden-Globe nominated actress who was a caregiver to her husband, diagnosed with bladder cancer. She sat down with Editor-in-Chief, Gary Barg for a wide ranging discussion about cancer and being a caregiver advocate.
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The Only Child Caregiver’s Career
I am one among millions of statistically likely only-child caregivers working on my own to provide care within the caregiving community.
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.
©Katarzyna Białasiewicz /123RF.COM
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.
Caregiving through a Doctor’s Eyes
Caregiving is universal. It knows no boundaries of age, race, religion, profession or economic status. Caregiving will touch all of our lives at some point along the way.
©Katarzyna Białasiewicz /123RF.COM
The Trouble with Hope
I had a strained relationship with hope before my wife was diagnosed with cancer. To me, hope was a high waiting for a low, a fix with a nasty flip-side.
Katarzyna Białasiewicz @123rf
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...
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.
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.
Why Do We Attend Support Groups?
Especially after having gone through a life-threating illness? Do we want reminders of what may have been a difficult time for us? Apparently, we do.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
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.
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
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© Katarzyna Białasiewicz@123rf
Effective Pain Management
Effective pain control improves the individual’s state of mind and ability to move through the healing process. There are a variety of options for pain control and doctors work toward addressing side effects that can occur with pain medications.
Nine Ways to Get Someone to Eat
A common nutritional problem that can affect someone in poor health is wasting or loss of body mass called cachexia-anorexia. It often is seen in advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and cancer.
An Interview with Fran Drescher
Fran Drescher is a patient advocate for people with cancer. Editor-in-Chief Gary Barg spoke candidly with Fran about cancer and caregiver advocacy.
Sunscreen Safety
The American Academy of Dermatology is reminding the public that sunscreen remains an important way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
fizkes@123rf
How is Hospice a Good Thing?
She looked intelligent, tired, strong, defiant, and wounded. She opened the front door enough to let me see her while tightly guarding the entrance. She said, “My friend told me hospice was a blessing – a ‘good’ thing. How in God’s name can my husban
