Skin Cancers
Navigating the role of cancer caregiver
Supporting a loved one with skin cancer can be a very significant responsibility. Your role can go from helping with day-to-day activities to being a source of comfort, all the while providing strength, patience and flexibility. Following are some of the most important things you can do to help your loved one manage a skin cancer diagnosis.
Meet the health care team. You will be a key point of contact for your loved one, so it is essential that you are authorized to talk to the medical team as well as access medical information and renew prescriptions.
Learn wound management. Your loved one may need help caring for wounds after a biopsy or surgery, especially if the wound is in an area that is hard to reach. Ask the medical team for specific instructions on how to perform wound care.
Watch for and manage side effects. Learn the side effects to watch for, when they will likely occur and what to do if they happen. Use a tracking sheet to help you remember details that you can share with your medical team. Download a tracking form at PatientResource.com/Tracker.
Provide emotional support. Managing a skin cancer diagnosis can be stressful on your loved one, especially if their treatment results in scars and/or skin grafts that may affect their appearance. Be kind and reassuring.
Learn to delegate. Friends often want to help but don’t know how. When they offer, accept and be specific: picking up your child from activities; stopping to get a new prescription; making healthy dinners that can go in your freezer.
Update family and friends. Create a group email or text so you can send one email to everyone at the same time.
Manage work schedules. Working provides a sense of normalcy and comfort, even if your normal routine seems chaotic to some. If either of you work, talk with the health care team about arranging appointments that align with your work schedules. Also ask about the tests or treatments that your loved one can attend on their own.
Surround yourselves with support. Seek out a local or online cancer support group, peer-to-peer counseling organization or a cancer caregivers’ support group. It can help you both immensely to talk with other people who have been in your shoes.
Practice self-care and take breaks. Self-care will help you feel re-energized, happier and better prepared for your ongoing caregiving duties. Commit to leading a healthy lifestyle. Commonly, caregivers put off getting their own cancer screenings done while caring for a loved one. Make those important screening appointments rather than delaying them. Your loved one needs you to be well.
