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: feelings
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”
The Power of Honesty When Caregiving for Your Partner
When we make the choice to spend our lives with a partner, it’s rare that we envision someday becoming their caregiver. Yet, the unpredictable nature of life means we might find ourselves in a role we never foresaw, one of being a spousal caregiver. Adapting to this role can be difficult, even for those withContinue reading “The Power of Honesty When Caregiving for Your Partner”
5 Tips for Navigating Caregiver Spouse Intimacy
Are you struggling to navigate caregiver spouse intimacy? When your partner is sick, developing and sustaining intimacy becomes challenging because it’s different from what you might be used to. However, it’s not impossible to keep the spark alive in your marriage. For one of my clients–we’ll call her Nancy–her husband had always been her emotionalContinue reading “5 Tips for Navigating Caregiver Spouse Intimacy”
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”
“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”
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”