CAREGIVING CHALLENGES

As you now realize, cancer does not affect just the person who gets the disease. Family and friends -- and especially the primary caregiver -- are also involved with this life-changing illness. And while advances in cancer treatment over the past 30 years have greatly improved the quality of life for people with cancer, the role of the caregiver has also changed dramatically during that time. According to Diane Blum, MSW, Executive Director of CancerCare, Inc., a 60-year old organization dedicated to providing resources to those with cancer and their caregivers, "Cancer patients used to spend long periods of time in the hospital, but they are much less likely to do so now. So, that person and whoever is the significant caregiver are often called upon to manage complex treatment, understand what is going on in terms of side effects, and incorporate this diagnosis and treatment into their everyday lives.

In effect, notes Ms. Blum, progress for people with cancer has ironically meant that some supports for caregivers no longer exist. As cancer treatments have shifted from the hospital to outpatient settings, the opportunities for caregivers to glean valuable tips and support from other caregivers and nursing staff have diminished. For instance, sitting in the chemotherapy suite during infusions was a good time to share resources for both the person with cancer and his or her caregiver. Now, some types of chemotherapy are given in oral form, so treatment can take place at home. These treatment trends mean that caregivers must deliberately seek out and build the support networks they need to carry out their caregiving responsibilities. Often, your caregiving job comprises just as many components as your regular job. You are called upon to be an advocate, nurturer, administrative assistant and coach. The challenge is to balance these myriad responsibilities while preserving energy for yourself and your family. Asking for and accepting help; learning to delegate; and learning to simplify are three principles that most caregivers cite as key to surviving the "marathon" of caregiving.

As you approach your often daunting list of tasks, the most important thing to remember is that you do not have to go through this alone. Multiply the nearly 9 million current cancer survivors by four, and you will have a conservative estimate of the many families which have now been touched, directly or indirectly, by cancer. Help is available -- you just need to search it out. For instance, CancerCare offers one-on-one telephone counseling with trained oncology social workers [call 800-813-HOPE (4673) or go to (www.cancercare.org) to help you organize your priorities.