Cancer
Cancer Articles for Caregivers
Laundry Night
“I had a dream last night about water,” my mother says as we dice cantaloupe and brew our morning coffee. “I woke up with wet sheets.” Read more
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 Read more
Lung Cancer Care
Coping with the diagnosis of cancer is only the beginning of the journey. The entire process of diagnosis, treatment and changes in lifestyle are day by day hurdles for both caregiver and loved one. 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
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. Read more
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
The Art of Cancer Caregiving
A cancer diagnosis is incredibly stressful for the person receiving the diagnosis. But those caring for the patient, both informally and formally, also experience stress, which can affect their own health and the patient’s outcome. Read more
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. Read more
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. Read more
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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
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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
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
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. 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
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. Read more
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
The New Normal Versus A New Beginning
How many times in your caregiving have you heard the words “New Normal”? I myself have used the term in talking to others and at our cancer caregiver meetings. 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
Resources for Breast Cancer Awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here are some helpful breast cancer resources to help you. Read more