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When Someone You Love Has Advanced Cancer: Support for Caregivers
    Posted: 11/10/2005    Updated: 09/23/2009



Purpose






Overview






Helping Your Loved One Cope With Advanced Cancer






Working with the Health Care Team






Getting Support






Life Planning






Talking with Family and Friends






Caring for Yourself







Reflection






Caregiver's Bill of Rights






Personal Affairs Worksheet






Signs That Death Is Near






Resources






For More Information



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Reflection

"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded."
— Maya Angelou

As a caregiver, you try to strike a balance each day. You have to care for your loved one while keeping up with the demands of family and work. Your focus tends to be on the patient's needs. But it's also up to you to try to stay in tune with yourself. Remember the things you need to maintain a healthy mind, body, and spirit. And if you can, try to find a quiet time for reflection each day. Meditating, praying, or just resting may help you keep a sense of peace at this time.

Caring for someone with advanced cancer has been described by others as being the toughest thing they have ever been through. And yet they wouldn't have given it up for the world.

Whether good or bad, life-changing situations often give people the chance to grow, learn, and appreciate what's important to them. Many people who care for someone with cancer describe the experience as a personal journey. They say it has changed them forever. This is much like the way people with cancer describe their experience. It's not necessarily a journey that they would have chosen for themselves. But they can use their skills, strength, and talents to support their loved one while finding out more about themselves along the way.

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