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”
Tag Archives: Cancer Caregiver
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”
A Guide to Self-Care for the Caregiver When Your Partner Has a Serious Illness
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”
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”
“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””
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”