Talking With the Special People
Spouses and Partners
Small Children
Teenagers
Adult Children
"I went to the Grand Canyon with
my brother. I started crying and
couldn't stop. I realized he started
crying, too, because he couldn't
handle the fact that he may not
have me around any more. So
there we were, just crying in the car.
He was like, 'I don't want to lose you.
I don't want you to die.'"
- Rhonda
Your loved ones may need time to adjust to the new stage of
your illness. They need to come to terms with their own
feelings. These may include confusion, shock, helplessness, or
anger. Let them know that they can offer comfort just by being
themselves and by being at ease with you. Ask them to listen
when you need it, rather than try to solve every problem.
Knowing that people cope with bad news in their own way
will help you and your loved ones deal with their emotions.
Many people are reassured and comforted by sharing
feelings and taking the time to say what they need to.
Bear in mind that not everyone can handle the thought that
they might lose you. Or some people may not know what to
say or do for you. As a result, relationships may change. This
isn't because of you, but because others have trouble coping
with their own painful feelings.
If you can, remind them that you are still the same person
you always were. Let them know if it's all right to ask
questions or tell you how they feel. Sometimes just
reminding them to be there for you is enough. But it's also
okay if you don't feel comfortable talking about it either.
Sometimes certain topics are hard to talk about with others.
If this is the case, you may want to talk by yourself with a
member of your medical team or a trained counselor. You
also may want to attend a support group where people meet
to share common concerns.
Some families have trouble expressing their needs to each
other. Other families simply do not get along with each other.
If you don't feel comfortable talking with family members,
ask a member of your health care team to help. You could
also ask a social worker or other professional to hold a family
meeting. This may help family members feel safer to express
their feelings openly. It can also be a time for you and your
family to meet with your team to problem-solve and set goals.
It can be very hard to talk about these things. But studies
show that cancer care goes more smoothly when everyone
stays open and talks about the issues.
Often, talking with the people closest to you is harder than
talking with anyone else. Here's some advice on talking with
loved ones during tough times.
"My wife has been my biggest source of strength, plain
and simple. That's how I cope with all of it, because
we talk and sometimes we literally are talking until 4
or 5 in the morning. We are just sitting here and just
talking and reminiscing, and asking questions and
answering them. Being there for one another."
- Steve
Some relationships grow stronger during cancer treatment,
but others are weakened. It's very common for patients and
their partners to feel more stress than usual as a couple.
There is often stress about:
- Knowing how to give and get support
- Coping with new feelings that have come up
- Figuring out how to communicate
- Having money problems
- Making decisions
- Changing roles
- Having changes in social life
- Coping with changes in daily routines
Some people feel more comfortable talking about serious
issues than others. Only you and your loved one know how
you communicate. Some things to think about are:
- Talk things over. This may be hard for you or your
partner. If so, ask a counselor or social worker to talk
to both of you together.
- Be realistic about demands. Your spouse or partner
may feel guilty about your illness. They may feel
guilty about any time spent away from you. They also
may be under stress due to changing family roles.
-
Spend some time apart. Your partner needs time to
address his or her own needs. If these needs are
neglected, your loved one may have less energy and
support to give. Remember, you didn't spend 24
hours a day together before you got sick.
- Know that it's normal for body changes and
emotional concerns to affect your sex life. Talking
openly and honestly is key. But if you can't talk
about these issues, you might want to talk with a
professional. Don't be afraid to seek help or advice
if you need it.
"We can't always protect the people we love. But we
can prepare them."
- Unknown
Keeping your children's and grandchildren's trust is still very
important at this time. Children can sense when things are
wrong. It's best to be as open as you can about your cancer.
They may worry that they did something to cause the cancer.
They may be afraid that no one will take care of them. They
may also feel that you are not spending as much time with
them as you used to. Although you can't protect them from
what they may feel, you can prepare them.
Some children become very clingy. Others get into trouble
in school or at home. Let the teacher or guidance counselor
know what is going on. And with your kids, it helps to keep
the lines of communication open. Try to:
- Be honest. Tell them you are sick and that the
doctors are working to help you feel comfortable.
- Let them know that nothing they did or said caused
the cancer. And make sure they know that they can't
catch it from others.
- Tell them you
love them.
- Tell them it's
okay to be upset,
angry, or scared.
Encourage them
to talk.
- Be clear and simple, since children do not have the
focus of adults. Use words they can understand.
- Let them know that they will be taken care of
and loved.
- Let them know that it's okay to ask questions. Tell
them you will answer them as honestly as you can.
In fact, children who aren't told the truth about an
illness can become even more scared. They often use
their imagination and fears to explain the changes
around them.
"My father and I are so much closer. It's a totally
different family than we were before I was diagnosed.
We've learned how to talk about how we feel, how to
talk to each other about what's going on and what
we're afraid of."
- Jake
Many of the things listed above also apply to teenagers. They
need to hear the truth about an illness. This helps keep
them from feeling guilt and stress. But be aware that they
may try to avoid the subject. They may become angry, act
out, or get into trouble as a way of coping. Others simply
withdraw. Try to:
- Give teenagers the space they need. This is especially
important if you rely on them more than before to
help with family needs.
- Give them time to deal
with their feelings,
alone or with friends.
- Let your teenager know
that they should still go
to school and take part
in sports and other fun
activities.
If you have trouble explaining
your illness, you might want to
ask for help. Try asking a close friend, relative, or health care
provider for advice. You could also go to a trusted coach,
teacher, or youth minister. Your social worker or doctor can
help you find a good counselor.
Your relationship with your adult children may change now
that you have advanced cancer. You may have to rely on
them more for different needs. It may be hard for you to ask
for support. After all, you may be used to giving support
rather than getting it. Or it may be hard for other reasons;
perhaps your relationship with them has been distant.
Adult children have their
concerns, too. They may become
fearful of their own mortality.
They may feel guilty because they
feel that they can't meet the
many demands on their lives as
parents, children, and employees.
As your illness progresses, it helps to:
- Share decision-making with your children.
- Involve them in issues that are important to you. These may include treatment choices, plans for the
future, or types of activities you want to continue.
Reaching out to your children and openly sharing your
feelings, goals, and wishes may help them cope with your
disease. It may also help lessen fears and conflict between
siblings when other important decisions need to be made.
"It's a roller coaster ride, so we just ride the roller
coaster. I've got the whole family prepared, and that's
what you have to do when you have cancer. Things
are going well and then really bad."
- Delia
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