Finding Strength: A Caregiver’s Story

During a routine visit to the dentist they noticed something unusual and decided to do a biopsy on my 55 year old husband, Mike. He was diagnosed with oral cancer, and within a week he had surgery to remove the tumor and began radiation and chemo.

After the surgery, Mike was was unable to work. We had to get him through his treatment, and learn how to eat again, while I worked and we figured out how to survive on just one income.

We did not have an outpouring of offers of emotional support or help with simple tasks from friends and family. The outpouring of meals, household help, hand holding and emotional support you see happening on TV was not there for us. We just had to get through the shock of a cancer diagnosis while managing the treatment regime, and the profound effects in Mike’s health, spirit and soul while adjusting to a reduced income and many new limitations.

We became isolated and very fragile. We did not know where to go, or how to ask, for help. A cancer survivor recommended Livestrong to me and so I gave them a call. After speaking to one of their cancer navigators, I received counselling and found the strength to get through our days.

While Mike was adjusting to his “new normal”, the emotional support I received from Livestrong helped me find the strength to help him, and myself, in our cancer recovery.

Thank you Livestrong for helping our family.

Cancer doesn’t only affect the person with cancer; it affects the lives of the people who surround them as well. Whether you’re a caregiver to your child or partner, a family member or a loved one, we provide emotional support and other resources for you: www.livestrong.org/we-can-help/caregiver-support

Finding Strength: A Caregiver’s Story was originally published in Livestrong Voices on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.