Caregiving Tips for Breast Cancer and Marriage (1)

1. Caregiving Tips for Breast Cancer and Marriage Caregivers play a crucial role in a woman’s battle with breast cancer. Most caregivers are close loved ones, such as a spouse. However, managing breast cancer and marriage can be difficult, as caregiving can take an immense toll emotionally and physically. If you are new to the caregiving role, it is understandable to feel overwhelmed. Your loved one will experience physical, emotional, and spiritual changes throughout their journey, which may affect your relationship. Investing in your relationship and yourself is vital in keeping your marriage strong. As such, here are some helpful tips to consider as you care for your spouse with breast cancer. Breast Cancer and Marriage: 5 Tips for Caregivers Lend a Helping Hand Your loved one may not be able to do regular tasks during treatment. Lend a helping hand and take some of the load off their plate. Doing household chores, managing treatment-related paperwork, and running errands are all excellent ways to help. Your spouse can focus on their treatment and healing instead of worrying about everyday tasks. Be Proactive Breast cancer is entirely a new and understandably frightening diagnosis for you and your spouse. They may not know what they need help with or when and how to ask for it. Be proactive in offering support to your spouse. Listen carefully to their concerns and needs concerning both breast cancer and marriage, and offer help even if they do not ask. Give Them Space Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer may feel a variety of emotions, like anger, grief, and fear. Let your spouse know you love and support them, but provide them space when needed. Your spouse will have some bad days, so be respectful and patient as they feel these emotions. A breast cancer diagnosis is a lot to cope with, so give them the space they need to process. Be Thoughtful with a Breast Cancer Care Package

2. Receiving gifts may be a part of your spouse’s love language. As such, consider giving them a breast cancer care package. You can customize the care package to include items your spouse will love, such as their favorite snacks or a book if they love reading. Likewise, add useful treatment items, such as chapstick, a comfy blanket, or a reusable water bottle. Take Care of Yourself It can be easy to neglect taking care of yourself as a caregiver. However, giving all of yourself as a caretaker at every moment is not sustainable. Some ways to improve your self-care include: Going on a walk by yourself each day ● Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated ● Scheduling an appointment with a counselor or other mental health professional ● Engaging in a beloved hobby ● Sharing some caregiving duties with a loved one ● Making plans with a friend ● Spending some time in meditation or prayer ● Getting involved in cancer support groups Oklahoma City ● By improving your self-care habits, you will be able to better care for yourself and your spouse throughout their battle with breast cancer. Are Cancer Support Groups Oklahoma City Open to Caregivers? Breast cancer affects more than the woman diagnosed. Support groups are not only geared toward breast cancer survivors; they are also open to caregivers and loved ones as well. It is important that loved ones receive adequate support from a community that understands their position and what they are facing. Cancer support groups Oklahoma City provide caregivers with tips, resources, and camaraderie as they take on their role. If you are a caregiver looking to surround yourself with a supportive breast cancer community, look no further than Project31. We understand the importance that caregivers make in a breast cancer survivor’s journey. We host monthly support groups and various events throughout the year to foster a close-knit community in Oklahoma. We also offer one-on-one mentorships and scholarships for families in need of professional counseling. Please reach out to learn more about the Project31 community.