Knowing what to say to a cancer patient is one thing. Knowing what to say to a cancer patient who is also your partner can be even more challenging. You love them and want nothing more than to see them better. But if you’re also your partner’s caregiver, you have to take on that roleContinue reading “How to Encourage Someone with Cancer & Believe in Their Strength Regardless”
Author Archives: coachmarika
4 Tips for Relieving Cancer Caregiver Stress When Caregiving Becomes Too Much
“It’s too much. I can’t do this anymore.” If those thoughts are swirling around your head lately, it’s time to pay attention. You may be tempted to push them aside or ignore them, but don’t! While you may even feel guilty for thinking this way (you’re not the one with cancer, after all), I wantContinue reading “4 Tips for Relieving Cancer Caregiver Stress When Caregiving Becomes Too Much”
Tips for Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Spouse with Cancer
When your partner is battling cancer, it impacts both of you, but in very different ways. You may notice changes in your partner’s behavior and emotional state as they cope with the disease and treatment. They may act in ways that are difficult to understand. And as their partner and caregiver, this can be confusingContinue reading “Tips for Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Spouse with Cancer”
Cancer and Anger: How to Deal with Your Spouse’s Anger During Their Cancer Journey
One day in July, my husband scheduled a visit to the doctor to have his shoulder examined after he hurt it in a bad fall. That is when we discovered he had a cancerous tumor in his arm. It came as such a shock to both of us. Overnight, our lives turned upside down, andContinue reading “Cancer and Anger: How to Deal with Your Spouse’s Anger During Their Cancer Journey”
“My Spouse Has Cancer and is Pushing Me Away”
“My spouse has cancer and is pushing me away.” This comes up frequently during coaching. Being pushed away by someone with cancer is a common occurrence, and you might feel like your spouse has become withdrawn when they are coping with a cancer diagnosis. Each person’s experience will be a little different. As my husband’sContinue reading ““My Spouse Has Cancer and is Pushing Me Away””
3 Tips for Coping with Cancer During the Holidays
As a child, I used to look forward to the holidays with delight and anticipation. I loved decorating the tree, making cookies with my Mom, and opening presents. It was a carefree time when school was out and sweets were plenty! As an adult, I looked forward to the holidays for different reasons. It wasContinue reading “3 Tips for Coping with Cancer During the Holidays”
9 Tips for Talking to Your Children About Their Parent’s Cancer
When my husband was first diagnosed with cancer, my child was five. At the time, I barely understood what was happening and had to figure out a way to explain it to my child! I knew he picked up on the stress we were all feeling, and I wanted to make sure he understood. SoContinue reading “9 Tips for Talking to Your Children About Their Parent’s Cancer”
How Cancer Affects Families & 5 Ways to Deal with Difficult Family Members in Healthcare
Your partner’s cancer impacts you and the rest of your family. Because of this, you’ll likely be faced with updating family members, dealing with everyone’s questions, and hearing opinions and offers to help. It can be a blessing. But it can also be an added source of stress if you have to deal with difficultContinue reading “How Cancer Affects Families & 5 Ways to Deal with Difficult Family Members in Healthcare”
How to Be a Good Caregiver: 3 Caregiving Tips for When Your Partner Has Cancer
Becoming a caregiver for your partner is a role you likely weren’t prepared for. But regardless, you want to be strong and supportive for your partner. You want to know how to be a good caregiver. You may feel at a complete loss for how to do that at times. Other times, you may beContinue reading “How to Be a Good Caregiver: 3 Caregiving Tips for When Your Partner Has Cancer”
What Does a Caregiver Coach Do to Support You When Your Spouse Has Cancer?
When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, I didn’t know anyone in my situation. I was 40, working full time, and raising our 5-year-old. I was lucky to have wonderfully supportive family, friends, and colleagues. Still, no one really understood what it was like. At times, it was very isolating. I sometimes questioned myself andContinue reading “What Does a Caregiver Coach Do to Support You When Your Spouse Has Cancer?”