National Cancer Institute
U.S. National Institutes of Health | www.cancer.gov

NCI Home
Cancer Topics
Clinical Trials
Cancer Statistics
Research & Funding
News
About NCI
When Someone You Love Is Being Treated for Cancer
    Posted: 11/28/2005



Purpose






Who Is a Caregiver?






Adjusting to Being a Caregiver






Caring for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit






Talking with the Health Care Team






Talking with Family and Friends






Life Planning






Reflection






Caregiver's Bill of Rights






Resources






For more information



Page Options
Print This Page
Print This Document
View Entire Document
E-Mail This Document
View/Print PDF
Order Free Copy
Quick Links
Director's Corner

Dictionary of Cancer Terms

NCI Drug Dictionary

Funding Opportunities

NCI Publications

Advisory Boards and Groups

Science Serving People

Español
Quit Smoking Today
NCI Highlights
Report to Nation Finds Declines in Cancer Incidence, Death Rates

High Dose Chemotherapy Prolongs Survival for Leukemia

Prostate Cancer Study Shows No Benefit for Selenium, Vitamin E

The Nation's Investment in Cancer Research FY 2009

Past Highlights
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.

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.


< Previous Section  |  Next Section >


A Service of the National Cancer Institute
Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health USA.gov