It was summer, and we had recently found out my husband’s cancer had returned. We were back in the routine of constant doctor appointments, treatment decisions, and feeling fear and anxiety about what the future held. I was working full-time as I always had been, but the sleepless nights were beginning to wear on me.Continue reading “A Guide to Self-Care for the Caregiver When Your Partner Has a Serious Illness”
Author Archives: coachmarika
How to Deal with Caregiver Resentment
When your spouse has a serious illness like cancer it seems like life starts to revolve around them. Conversations become about treatment and doctors’ appointments, new research, and trials. Daily life is centered around how they are feeling that day and what they need help with. The future becomes about them too. It becomes limitedContinue reading “How to Deal with Caregiver Resentment”
What to Do When the Fear of Losing Your Spouse Paralyzes You
“I can’t live without my husband.” I hear this a lot from clients whose spouses have cancer. The fear of losing your spouse is completely normal, even rational, after a terminal diagnosis. When I first met with Cindy, her husband had been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. They had been together since she wasContinue reading “What to Do When the Fear of Losing Your Spouse Paralyzes You”
The Power of Gratitude When Your Spouse Has Cancer
Feeling grateful when your spouse has cancer sounds like an oxymoron. But once you truly understand the power of gratitude, it doesn’t feel so contradictory. Instead, it begins to feel like the one thing that will keep you strong, resilient, and hopeful on this journey. Feeling Sorry For Yourself When Your Spouse Has Cancer ForContinue reading “The Power of Gratitude When Your Spouse Has Cancer”
“My Husband Has Cancer. I’m Scared.” How to Deal with Fear as a Spousal Caregiver
Whether you are new to caregiving or have been a spousal caregiver for a while, experiencing fear when your spouse has cancer is a normal part of the journey. Cancer and everything that go along with it can feel very frightening. The good news is that the more you understand your fear, what causes it,Continue reading ““My Husband Has Cancer. I’m Scared.” How to Deal with Fear as a Spousal Caregiver”
Getting To Know Your Anxiety When Your Partner Has Cancer
Do you experience health anxiety about cancer for your spouse? Do you have caregiver anxiety when it comes to managing your many responsibilities–none of which you were prepared for? Do you want to know how to relieve stress and anxiety quickly? You’re not alone, my friend. I’ve dealt with anxiety for most of my life.Continue reading “Getting To Know Your Anxiety When Your Partner Has Cancer”
Coaching Versus Therapy: How to Know What’s Right For You as a Caregiver
If you’re here, you’re probably wondering, “Do I need therapy or a life coach?” Your partner has cancer, and you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, lonely, and stuck. You realize you need to get some support for yourself, but where do you turn? Should you find a therapist or life coach? What’s the difference between coaching andContinue reading “Coaching Versus Therapy: How to Know What’s Right For You as a Caregiver”
How to Encourage Someone with Cancer & Believe in Their Strength Regardless
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”
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”