When Someone You Love Is Being Treated for Cancer: Part 2—Caring for Yourself

Caring for Your Body

You may find yourself so busy and concerned about your loved one that you don't pay attention to your own physical health, but it's very important that you take care of your health, too. Taking care of yourself will give you strength to help others.

New stresses and daily demands often add to any health problems caregivers already have. If you are sick or or have an injury that requires you to be careful, it's even more important that you take care of yourself. Here are some changes caregivers often have

• Fatigue (feeling tired)
• Weaker immune system (poor ability to fight off illness)
• Sleep problems
• Slower healing of wounds
• Higher blood pressure
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Headaches
• Anxiety, depression, or other mood changes

Finding Meaning During Cancer

Many caregivers find that cancer causes them to look at life in new ways. They may reflect on spirituality, the purpose of life, and what they value most. It's normal to view the cancer experience both negatively and positively at the same time. You and your loved one may be struggling to understand why cancer has entered your lives. You may wonder why you have to endure such a trial in your life.

The way cancer affects one's faith or religion is different for everyone. Some turn away from their religion, while others turn toward it. It is common to question one's faith after cancer; for others, seeking answers and searching for personal meaning helps them cope.

Many caregivers have found that their faith, religion, or sense of spirituality is a source of strength as they face life during cancer treatment. Many say that through their faith, they have been able to find meaning in their lives and make sense of the cancer experience. Faith or religion can also be a way for caregivers and their loved ones to connect with others in their community. These may be people who share similar experiences or outlooks, or who can provide support. Studies have also shown that for some, faith can be an important part of both coping with and recovering from cancer.

Here are ways you may find comfort and meaning through your faith or spirituality:

• Reading materials that are uplifting and can help you connect to a higher power.
• Praying or meditating to help you feel less fearful or anxious.
• Talking about your concerns or fears with a leader of your faith or spiritual community.
• Going to religious or spiritual gatherings to meet new people.
• Talking to others at your place of worship who have had similar experiences.
• Finding resources for people dealing with chronic illnesses like cancer.

Taking Care of Yourself

These ideas for taking care of yourself may sound easy, but they're a challenge for most caregivers. You'll need to pay attention to how you're feeling, in both body and mind. Even though you may be putting someone else's needs first, it's important to

• Keep up with your own checkups, screenings, and other medical needs.
• Try to remember to take your medicines as prescribed. Ask your doctor to give you extra refills to save trips to the pharmacy. Find out if your grocery store or pharmacy delivers.
• Try to eat healthy meals. Eating well will help you keep up your strength. If your loved one is in the hospital or has long doctor's appointments, bring easy-to-prepare food from home. For example, sandwiches, salads, or packaged foods and canned meats fit easily into a lunch container.
• Get enough rest. Listening to soft music or doing breathing exercises may help you fall asleep. Short naps can energize you if you aren't getting enough sleep. Be sure to talk with your doctor if lack of sleep becomes an ongoing problem.
• Exercise. Walking, swimming, running, or bike riding are only a few ways to get your body moving. Any kind of exercise (including working in the garden, cleaning, mowing, or going up stairs) can help you keep your body healthy. Finding at least 15-30 minutes a day to exercise may make you feel better and help manage your stress.
• Make time for yourself to relax. You may choose to stretch, read, watch television, or talk on the phone. Whatever helps you unwind, you should take the time to do it. It's important to tend to your own needs and reduce your own stress levels.