The Role Of Caretaker During Cancer
Author: Shannon Miller
Over the last couple of months I’ve been writing this blog and discussing what I’ve been going through mentally and physically. However, a cancer diagnosis affects more than just the patient. Watching my husband take care of me and another close family member at the same time really put things in perspective. My parents, who both work full time and live several states away, had to deal with the emotions of not being able to be here physically but still finding ways to be helpful.
As a cancer survivor herself, my mother was able to provide lessons from firsthand experience and my father was able to be a calm reassurance that everything would be okay. My father probably doesn’t even realize that he has been a made impact in the way that he took on and made his health a priority this year.
My husband has been incredible in what he has taken on during this time: Aside from running his company and keeping up with his obligations he had to take on chemo appointments, taking care of Rocco, housework, errands and even eating on the other side of the house when I couldn’t take the smell of food. He had to deal with my constant emotional swings (not an easy task) and being there to hold my hand as I got my head shaved.
In doesn’t escape my notice that, as the patient, I have received a huge amount of support. But who is there to support the caretaker?
I want to introduce you to a good friend and amazing woman who will be joining the Shannon Miller Lifestyle team as a guest blogger.
Over the past two years, Tammy Badida has experienced the journey of a caretaker first-hand. After losing her husband to cancer in January 2011, it has been her heart’s desire to share this experience openly with those who have or are experiencing the physical, spiritual, and emotional struggles of taking care of a loved one in a time of need.