Small Cell Lung Cancer
For the Caregiver
Facing lung cancer is worrisome and stressful for both you as caregiver and your loved one who now needs your assistance. Caregiving can be a rewarding experience but requires patience, empathy and good listening skills. Your loved one may have concerns you haven’t thought of and they will need your help with managing them along with what you may consider the “expected” responsibilities now facing you. These may include attending medical appointments, shopping for and preparing meals, and taking care of other household tasks. Remember during this time to take care of yourself. Consider joining a support group of other caregivers to have people to talk with. Ask the navigator or case manager for a referral to such a group. The practical tasks are many and discussed here, but the emotional ones that can be helped through a support group may be even more important.
Get the “OK” to receive medical information. Be sure you are authorized to communicate with the health care team, access medical information, renew prescriptions and more. If you are unsure about the forms you may need to sign, ask a member of the health care team.
Meet the health care team. Introduce yourself to the doctors, nurse navigator, pharmacist, case manager and others. Determine the best ways and times to contact them. Building strong relationships will make it easier to communicate openly and honestly with them.
Give and track medication. Medication must be taken at the right dose and at the right time for the treatment to be most effective. This may include anti-anxiety medicines, as those may be needed to calm the panic that can accompany the struggle to breathe or while awaiting test results.
Organize paperwork. Set up a system to manage bills, insurance papers, research, medical forms, etc. Also work with your loved one to prepare an Advance Directive, Living Will, Will and Power of Attorney.
Encourage any form of activity. Exercise can help reduce fatigue and improve emotional well-being, and it does not have to be strenuous. Also, avoid “over-helping.” It is important to let your loved one maintain independence.
Learn to operate breathing accessories. Your loved one may use an incentive spirometer, supplemental oxygen or another type of equipment. Learn how these tools should be used and how to operate a backup oxygen tank in case of a power outage.
