Page 32 - LIVESTRONG Digital Guidebook

Developing Your
Support System

Some cancer patients receive a lot of support from loved ones, friends or caregivers. Others go
through the cancer journey with little or no help. In either case, there may be times when extra sup-
port will be needed.

“This website [Lotsa Helping Hands] has been invaluable in assisting my

friend in getting meals and help with her kids. We have 35 people signed on,

and it has gone so smoothly thanks to your wonderful site. Thank you for

setting it up. It is genius.” —ANNIE

You do not have to go through the cancer experience ADVOCATES FOR YOU
alone. If you do not know of anyone who can help
you, ask your health care provider to refer you to a There may be times when it is important to advocate
social worker or nurse navigator. They can help you or speak up for yourself. Yet, you may not always feel
develop a support system made up of volunteers, well enough to do everything on your own. During
members of nonprofit or faith-based organizations these times, others may be willing to speak on your
or cancer program staff. behalf. Advocates care about you and want to sup-
port your healing process.
Members of your support system can help you:
• Keep track of your health care records Keep in mind that those who are helping you are
and appointments not there to make decisions about your health care.
• Talk with your health care team However, you might ask them to help you find new
• Find information and services you need health care providers or the treatment you need.
• Set up child care services or transportation Some hospitals and cancer centers have patient
• Solve problems by listening and talking with you navigation programs. Patient navigators guide individ-
• Get through the health care system uals through the complex health care systems to get
• Find help with insurance and financial matters quality care. Ask your health care provider to help you
• Get help with day-to-day needs find a patient navigator.

Develop your support system: ORGANIZING HELP

 Make a list of activities others can do to help you. Most people feel good about helping others. Loved
 Make a list of people who can provide help ones, friends, coworkers and neighbors often want to
provide support. Let them know what you need, as
and support. well as how and when they can help. You may find it
 Find out when and how others are willing to help. difficult to ask for or accept assistance. Yet, think about
 Write down a schedule of dates, times, tasks how willing you would be to help others in a similar sit-
uation. Keep in mind that allowing others to help may
and who has agreed to help. also help them deal with the cancer diagnosis.
 Share the schedule with all of the people
An easy way to organize and schedule helpers
who will be helping you. is through Lotsa Helping Hands. This free online

32 L I V E S T R O N G G U I D E B O O K www.LIVESTRONG.org/WeCanHelp