by Muneerah B.

Created on: December 28, 2008

The Cancer Crusade

The waiting and anticipating is over and now the results are clear. This will be a long and draining battle and you are prepared to be a foot soldier in the fight, now that your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer.

First and foremost educate yourself about the disease as much as you can. It is very important to understand the technicalities of the condition and be updated with the latest breakthroughs or discoveries regarding cancer. Get information from various sources to get different perspectives about the condition. As there are still a lot of misleading beliefs about the disease, it is important to be able to separate the myths from the facts and asses the degree of accuracy.

Let the patient feel that their life can still be normal as before. Cancer patients should still maintain their social life; encourage them to, especially if are you within their social circle. This can be a gesture as simple as taking time off to accompany them to the hospital for their treatments.

It helps be sensitive about food when it comes to a patient who is undergoing therapy, just to be on the cautious side. Ask if they require any special dietary needs that will help them heal. Having a social life should not compromise their health obligations and jeopardize their chances of recovery.

When it comes to emotional support, listen without judgment or criticism. You would want them to be strong through the ordeal but remember to accept the anger and tears as well. Recognize the level of sensitivity of the patient. There may not be comfortable discussing the details of their condition for whatever reasons. Allow them this liberty.

Even if you are not a believer, do not underestimate the power of spirituality. If the patient requests for your involvement in his/ her spiritual practices, the least you can do is to observe the ritual/ ceremony as a sign of respect. Be supportive if the patient considers complimentary treatments and therapies on top of the medical procedures at the hospital. Even though science and spiritually may be at odds sometimes, alternative medicine may provide a peace of mind if nothing else.

On that note, do not neglect your own emotions in the midst of being supportive for your loved one. Your mental and emotional health is just as important and the infantry will not be as strong with one less fighter in the battle.

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