Caring for a Lung Cancer Patient

Providing cancer care for a loved with lung cancer can be draining — both emotionally and physically. Many people who are providing lung cancer care are so busy and concerned with their loved one that they forget to care for themselves. In fact, some research shows that caregivers are at greater risk of having such health problems as infection or depression than those who are not caregivers.

Caring for yourself while you provide lung cancer care is important. Not only will you benefit, but you will also be able to provide higher-quality cancer care for your loved one for a longer period of time.

"Maintaining your own well-being is going to help you be a better caregiver," says Julie Walther Scheibel, MEd, a counselor at Concordia Seminary Counseling and Resource Center in St. Louis, Mo.

Cancer Care: Tend to Your Own Health

You should always practice good health habits, but it is particularly important to avoid neglecting your health when you are caring for a loved one with lung cancer.

• Talk with your doctor and other health care providers about what immunizations, check-ups, and screenings you need to have, and make sure to adhere to the schedule your medical team recommends.
• Get recommended vaccines, such as the pneumococcal and influenza (flu) vaccination. This can protect your loved one from contracting these infections from you, and keep you healthy enough to care for your loved one with lung cancer.
• Don't skip your annual medical check-ups. You may think that missing one visit will not hurt, but yearly check-ups are particularly important because you are at higher risk for developing health problems while you are providing cancer care.
• Make sure your doctor knows that you are a caregiver. If you have been feeling sad, irritable, or nervous, voice these concerns to your doctor, who can assess your mental health.

Cancer Care: Do What You Enjoy

While your job, social life, and hobbies may be on the back burner after learning your loved one has lung cancer, it is important to keep your life as normal as possible and participate in activities you enjoy while you are providing care for your loved one. Walther Scheibel recommends that lung cancer caregivers attempt to continue with their regular routine as best they can. "There is a balance between being a supportive caregiver and losing yourself in your loved one's illness," she says.

Here are some tips for caring for yourself while providing lung cancer care:

• Schedule "me" time. Find a time each day when you can slip away from your caregiving responsibilities and do an activity you enjoy. This may just mean spending a bit of time reading a novel, listening to music, or calling a friend.
• Stay healthy. Eat healthful foods and avoid skipping meals. It is also important to continue to get regular exercise as you are caring for your loved one.
• Arrange for back-up. Ask neighbors, friends, family members, or members of the community to lend a hand when you need help.
• Get support. Joining a support group for loved ones of people who have lung cancer can allow you to share stories with others who are in similar situations.

Letting yourself get run-down or emotionally spent won't help anybody, especially you.