Does it feel the fatigue, the vulnerability? Does the hard work of being a care giver weaken the body or give off a signal to a predator like cancer that the time and place is prime for a strike? Find the right soil and settle-in…another victim captured.
My neighbor down the street has been a care giver to her husband for a very long time. He has been ill and she has taken on the full load of care giving tasks, plus everything else it takes to run two lives, a big house and a big dog. She’s the foundation, the rock and I’m sure she probably thought she could do all these jobs forever.
Now, she has cancer. The diagnosis is fresh and the fear is real. Who will take care of things now? She has to think of her care now, her treatment. As we all know, there will likely be surgery or chemo…nothing comes easy in cancer world. If will change the way she feels, the way she lives.
I know family and friends will surely step in to help arrange for whatever help they’ll need but it will never be the same. Her touch, her special attention to his every need will be different.
It was already hard. It’s about to get harder still.
February 22, 2013 @ 11:19 am
The American Lung Association has just launched a new website that provides personalized care for lung cancer patients and their caregivers. Would love for you to check it out and help us spread the word!
February 25, 2013 @ 8:59 pm
Gregg
Thanks I will check it out.
Kathy
February 22, 2013 @ 8:44 am
So glad to find this blog again. Laurie, Leroy helped me through my colon cancer seven years ago and here I am back again, looking for support. My 40 year-old son has lung cancer that has spread to his brain and spine. The lesion in his brain has taken his sight. So as I begin again, this time as a caregiver, I look once again to Laurie and all the wonderful people that post to get me through yet another journey.
The sad drum beat goes on….but all the strength that comes through on this blog helps. Thank you for still being there for all of us.
Kathy
February 22, 2013 @ 10:33 am
Kathy,
We’re still here…and ready to help where we can although I’m so sorry about your son.
Laurie
February 22, 2013 @ 7:31 pm
Kathy,
Come here often for words of encouragement, to rant, to ask for help..whatever we can do. I’m sorry you and your son are going through this.
February 21, 2013 @ 8:32 pm
My heart goes out to your neighbor. And I also just want to scream. . . no more!
A cherished friend just got word the other day that his cancer has returned. So, now it’s back to chemo and the art exhibition he’d planned for May put on hold. His spirit is so wonderful. I want to scream for him, too.