- Ask questions of your doctor and nurse; do not assume.
- Remember that you are a member of the health care team, and input is important. Keep your nurse and doctor informed.
- Review the following pages for information about your symptoms.
- Review hints for self-care if you are the patient or caregiver.
- Ask your family/friends for help before you are too fatigued.
- Keep a list of what friends can do and delegate. For example, one person could drive you to an appointment, another could make a meal and another could go to the grocery store. Some people have more time than others, and your list helps you coordinate with them.
- Organize your day as the patient and as the caregiver into manageable segments.
- Develop a schedule for each day or week with the family caregiver. This process allows family members or friends to be in agreement.
- Stop by the Huntsman Cancer Learning Center. They will assist you with finding any cancer-related or caregiving information you may want. The National Cancer Institute also has publications on their website at www.cancer.gov.
- Remember, the staff at Huntsman Cancer Institute is here to support you as the patient and caregiver. Tell your physician or nurse if you need more support. Your social worker can give emotional support, as well as helping you find and access other needed assistance.
|
