No one wants to hear that their spouse has cancer. While you recognize that you cannot fully comprehend their experience, there are parts of it that are shared. Their fear and their pain will inevitably cause you fear and pain over the course of their treatment. Let’s look at options for help when your spouse has cancer.
Help for When Your Spouse has Cancer
The two may not be equal in terms of the physical consequences, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that your emotional health remains important. In fact, taking care of yourself is what is going to allow you to be there for your loved one through the entirety of this ordeal.
Very few, if any, people can manage to pull that off without help. If you ever feel like cancer is affecting your relationship in a lasting manner or draining you of your reserves, you need to get help sooner rather than later.
With some assistance, you can keep yourself and your relationship going strong. These are some ideas to help get you started.
Talk with Your Surgeon
Prior to your spouse’s initial consultation, ask if they are comfortable with you coming as well. By attending this appointment, you are showing your spouse a physical sign of support. You are also giving yourself the opportunity to ask questions.
Your partner’s breast cancer surgeon in Austin meets with cancer patients every day. They’re familiar with the emotional fallout that accompanies many cancer diagnoses, so you should ask them about support groups and therapy.
If they don’t personally know what resources are available, they will be able to direct you to someone who does.
Connect with the National Breast Cancer Foundation
The National Breast Cancer Foundation has one of the most comprehensive collections of resources for breast cancer patients and their families. Go through the website to learn more about programs in your area that offer aid to families like yours.
At first, a free house cleaning or the delivery of a few meals may not seem like much. The reality is that any reduction in the stress of everyday life can save you both during your partner’s chemotherapy in Austin. You may be more than capable of cleaning the house for your partner, but the truth is that they would likely rather spend that time with you.
Start Therapy Early
You may feel like you don’t need therapy, and there’s a possibility that you’re right. What most people don’t realize is that a life-threatening illness has the ability to fundamentally change your relationship with your partner.
They’ve been your rock through all the hard times, but there may be points where they don’t have the strength to be your rock any more. To take care of your own mental health and to protect the integrity of your relationship, you should really consider starting therapy to limit the emotional labor you’re placing on your partner.
Arrange for Little Adventures
Your spouse may not be up for everything that you used to do together, but it’s good for both of you to break the pattern of just traveling between your home, work, and the hospital.
Short day trips to locations you will both enjoy seem like very little things. However, they can make a big difference in your shared morale. It’s good to remember that life is beautiful, especially when you’re together.
Always Ask for Help
Cancer is a formidable disease that can challenge the strongest bonds. You know that you and your partner can do this, but don’t delude yourself into thinking that means you have to do it alone. You will both need the support of other people over the coming months, and that is perfectly healthy.