Caregiver Support

Coping with treatment side effects

While not everyone undergoing cancer treatment will have the same side effects, here are a few to watch for:

Pain: Pain can occur from treatments or the cancer itself. It is more effective to treat pain early rather than waiting until it is severe. Notify the health care team if the patient experiences pain, then help to administer the medications. Some questions to ask the physician include:

• Can pain medicine pills be crushed?
• What should be done if the pain returns, but it's too early for the next dose?
• If the medicine does not reduce the pain, can the patient have more, or should the doctor be called?
• What if a dose is accidentally skipped?
• What potential side effects can be expected, and when should help be called?

Fever and Infections: Common signs of infection are swelling, pain, redness and fever. If the patient has any of the following symptoms, contact the doctor or nurse immediately:

• A temperature 100.4 or higher by mouth.
• Severe shaking chills that last 20 minutes.
• Frequent, painful urination.
• No urine output for 6-8 hours.
• New cough, shortness of breath, or rapid breathing.

Nausea: Cancer patients will often experience nausea and/or vomiting from new pain medicine; it usually subsides within a few days. You can ask the physician for anti-nausea medicine. It also helps to serve several small meals each day rather than three large ones. Avoid fried foods, dairy products, and acids such as fruit juices. Dry toast, crackers, pretzels, and sherbet help nausea. Offer clear liquids to drink. Distractions such as television or reading can also help.

Fatigue: This is a common condition for most cancer patients. If symptoms are intense, report it to the doctor or nurse. Otherwise, simply plan any activities during the times when the patient feels best, and allow rest in between. Allow time for rest between activities like bathing, dressing and walking. Plan regular, light exercise, and serve snacks in addition to regular meals. Encourage rest.

Providing emotional support

Join the team: As a caregiver, you will become part of a team of individuals treating the patient's cancer. From family members and friends to the medical team assigned to his or her care, and of course, the patient, each person plays an important role.

Stay positive: You will become a source of strength and inspiration to the patient. You may feel overwhelmed, but your steadfastness will help reduce the patient's anxiety.

Talk, ask and listen: Ask questions of other team members and the patient. Listen to the patient's thoughts and concerns, and discuss your own concerns — either with the patient or with other team members. Sharing ideas, information and resources will help the patient — and you.

Read the signs: Signals that you are over-stressed and need relief include physical exhaustion, a short temper, and excessive emotions. Build daily breaks into your schedule where someone else assumes responsibility for the patient. Even a short walk can help relieve stress. If you work, take advantage of the Family Medical Leave Act.

Share the experience: Attend a support group for caregivers. It can also help to simply share your feelings with friends or family.

Get help: Many resources exist for assistance with caregiving.

• Healing Arts Centers at all three St. John Providence Health System Cancer Centers offer many routes to spiritual strength for caregivers as well as patients.
• Ask your insurance company if a case manager can be assigned to you. While not all insurers provide this service, when available, these individuals can help manage insurance concerns, serving as a resource for finding coverage for medically necessary care or even home care.
• Contact community agencies — some have volunteers who can help with transportation or benefit programs.
• Obtain legal counsel for assistance with financial planning.