Lung Cancer Caregiver Checklist

Sometimes, as someone looking at lung cancer from the outside, you may feel you don't know where to fit in when assisting your loved one in their time of need. However, there are some beneficial tactics to consider for extra support. The rulebook changes depending on the situation, but noting the basics makes a difference.

Practical support

Please note that being a care partner is not for the faint of heart. It can be very emotional caring for a loved one who may be going through lung cancer.

You may find yourself constantly reassuring a loved one when you feel doubtful about what is happening in real-time. It's okay to remember that the simple things matter when showing support.

If you're not sure where to start, just note that simple care makes a huge difference. It's okay to review what you can and can't do, as this may be overwhelming for both your loved one and you.

It may help to come up with a plan to accompany your loved one on a treatment visit or make an appointment. Practical support can also consist of being the eyes and ears at an appointment to ask those missed questions.

Open communication

At this time, feelings may feel strained as emotions go up and down. Your loved one with cancer may be extra emotional and at some times snappy. Just know it's not you. The situation may take some getting used to for everyone, and being open about emotions may reassure everyone to remember to extend grace.

Educate yourself

Many times, this cancer in particular carries a certain stigma and assumptions. It may be helpful to delve a little further into the disease and review the checks and balances on what will be needed along the way.

When you're clear on the differences between NSCLC and SCLC, you can help reassure and communicate effectively on what treatment is entailed and what is needed of you to support.

Medication management

There may be a lot going on, and making sure meds are properly managed is helpful as well. Brain fog may be a side effect that may throw a monkey wrench in focusing on this med or that. If you can help organize with pill boxes or reminder apps to help them stay on track, then that could benefit immensely.

Self-care

A care partner's job can be complex and involve much of your time and emotional support. You should also remember that taking care of yourself is imperative. Here are a few tips:

Quiet time

You may need to take a step back now and again to stay still and take a breather from support.

Assessing your health

Don't neglect your health, and make sure you are on top of your doctor appointments.

Quality diet

Make sure you add a well-balanced diet as part of self-care. You may find yourself running around from one appointment to another, and it's very easy to rely on fast food or unhealthy snacks. It may mean packing healthy snack containers so you can control what you're eating from point A to point B.

You got this!

The time to fight is now, with integrity, grace, hope, and a smile… when you feel like it.