It’s important to have a support system in place when you’re going through cancer, whether you’re a patient or caregiver. You’re going to need your people around to lend a hand, make you laugh, listen to you vent, or just sit in silence with you. Cancer is a team sport.
A support system is like a snowflake – no two are the same. No matter what your support system looks like, where they’re located, or how they help, it’s important to figure out who is in your corner as soon as possible so you know who you can lean on, and for what, throughout the cancer experience.
If you have cancer, your primary caregiver is someone who helps you manage your daily needs. Because your primary caregiver is helping you so much, while also sustaining their own responsibilities, it’s also important for them to identify their own support system.
This includes your loved ones that live within about a one hour drive from you. Someone who can drop everything and come over to help in an emergency. They care for you and won’t mind getting into the cancer trenches beside you.
You might have family and friends that live around the country or the world, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be part of your support system. They can support you in specific ways from far away, like listening while you vent or helping you find information and resources.
Know which and if, there are any neighbors you feel close enough with to ask for help, like putting the trash out or walking the dog.
Whether you attend religious gatherings every week or are tapping into your spiritual side for the first time, finding spiritual support may be helpful.
It may seem weird, but your (or your loved one’s) healthcare team is part of your support system, too. Don’t forget that they know the ins and outs of your cancer and have treated many other people with cancer before, so talk to them about what you’re experiencing.
Finding a group of people who have gone through the same type of cancer you’re going through, or have a similar experience as you, can be very comforting. Support groups are offered online and in person, so find the group that works best for you.
Even if you’ve never seen a therapist before, talking to a mental health professional while you go through cancer as a patient or caregiver can be very helpful. They’re basically a third party that is always on your side….who doesn’t want that?!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the logistical aspects of cancer (navigating insurance, making medical decisions, affording your bills, etc.), consider using the Fuck Cancer CareLine to be matched with a personalized patient navigator.
Similar to support groups, online forums can be a way to find community and hear other people’s experiences that are similar to yours.
As soon as you or your loved one is diagnosed with cancer, the people around you start asking “How can I help?” It’s a nice sentiment, but it can feel overwhelming to find an answer when you’re trying to wrap your head around this new reality. It can also feel challenging to ask for help, especially if you’re an independent person.
By keeping a running list of things you need help with or ways you’d feel supported, you’ll have an answer ready without having to think about it. You can also email your list of needs to your loved ones and let them decide the ways in which they’ll show up. The most important thing is that you get the support you need so you can focus on dealing with cancer.
Some people don’t have family or friends they can ask for support while they’re going through cancer and that’s okay. You can still build a support system for yourself made up of people who understand what you’re going through. You don’t have to go through cancer alone.
Your healthcare team knows the ins and outs of your cancer and they’ve treated many other people with cancer before, so talk to them about what you’re experiencing.
It can be comforting to talk to people who have the same type of cancer or who are having similar experiences. Support groups are offered online and in person, so find the group that works best for you.
Even if you’ve never seen a therapist before, talking to a mental health professional can be very helpful. They’re basically a third party who’s always on your side….who doesn’t want that?!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the logistical aspects of cancer (navigating insurance, making medical decisions, affording your bills, etc.), consider using our CareLine to be matched with a personalized patient navigator.
Similar to support groups, online forums can be a way to find community and hear other people’s experiences that are similar to yours.
