A cancer diagnosis can affect not only the cancer patient, but also the patient’s family. As family members, it is not easy to provide support and help to the patient in the fight against cancer.
Here are some suggestions that may be helpful:
- When accompanying a doctor or nurse to an appointment, feel free to ask the doctor or nurse for helpful information.
- Be prepared for changes in the patient’s behavior and mood. Medications, discomfort, and stress may cause frustration and anger, and learn to cope.
- Encourage patients to be as optimistic and positive as possible to help them regain self-care and confidence.
- Keep a positive mindset; being too negative, worried and sad can be detrimental to the patient.
- Be prepared for adverse outcomes and recognize that current medicine does not solve all problems.
- Be thoughtful and decisive in your decision making and do not be impulsive or lose your mind.
- Learn to relax properly and de-stress yourself.
- Exercise regularly; exercise helps you resist stress better.
- Attend to eat regularly and have balanced nutrition.
- Take care of rest and sleep so that you have enough energy to take care of your patients. Do not drink alcohol and smoke to relieve stress.