The year my husband received his cancer diagnosis, the holidays felt almost overwhelming. Before that challenging time, our anticipation revolved around traditional family gatherings packed with delicious food, wine, and sweet treats—an occasion to relax and indulge. However, following his intense chemo sessions that left him feeling drained, the holidays lost their lighthearted allure. InsteadContinue reading “Not Feeling Merry or Bright? Try These 7 Tips for Caregiving During the Holidays”
Category Archives: actions
How to Deal with a Difficult Sick Husband
Caring for a seriously ill spouse is an emotionally taxing undertaking. It can test your patience, stir up a variety of feelings from sorrow to frustration, and leave you grappling with a profound sense of powerlessness. When your partner is frequently angry or irritable, caregiving for them can be even more challenging. If this isContinue reading “How to Deal with a Difficult Sick Husband”
Loving Your Spouse Unconditionally Through a Serious Illness
We all know what love is, and most of us know how it feels. It feels wonderful, especially when it’s effortless. Over time and often in long-term relationships, the loving feelings we have for our partner or relatives get buried beneath unmet expectations, frustrations, and daily annoyances. And when our partner has a serious illness,Continue reading “Loving Your Spouse Unconditionally Through a Serious Illness”
Caregiver Resilience: What It Is, Why You Need It, and How to Build It
When caring for your partner, building resilience–the ability to continue forward in the face of adversity–is essential. Caregiver resilience is not just about surviving; it’s about finding strength in vulnerability, joy in the midst of sorrow, and courage in the face of adversity. When my husband passed away from cancer, I attended a grief recoveryContinue reading “Caregiver Resilience: What It Is, Why You Need It, and How to Build It”
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”
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”
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?”
What to Do for Someone Going through Chemo: Helping Your Spouse During Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, or “chemo,” as most people call it, is a common treatment for many types of cancer. One of the side effects of some chemo treatments is that it takes a significant toll on the recipient, both physically and emotionally. It can be hard to watch your spouse go through chemo and feel like thereContinue reading “What to Do for Someone Going through Chemo: Helping Your Spouse During Chemotherapy”
How to Avoid Spousal Caregiver Burnout When Your Partner is Sick
Spousal caregiver burnout. We hear the term all the time, but what does it mean exactly? Burnout is “a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.” If any part of that definition strikes home, you may be close to or already experiencing caregiver spouse burnout. My husband battled cancerContinue reading “How to Avoid Spousal Caregiver Burnout When Your Partner is Sick”