[MUSIC PLAYING]
SPEAKER: Being diagnosed
with cancer can leave you
with a host of new emotions.
It's normal to feel
guilty or afraid that you'll
be a burden to loved ones,
but you shouldn't worry.
Most friends and family want
to help.
Here's why having a family
caregiver at your side matters
now more than ever.
At some point, you may feel
physically tired so it's best
to start getting used
to delegating important tasks
to a caregiver early on.
Let someone else pick up
the kids or cook dinner so you
have time to rest
and get the mental space needed
to focus on your treatment.
Easing into this new routine
will help you have a system
in place for when you really
need it.
You may get into a mental fog
or have problems concentrating,
what some people call,
chemo brain.
Bringing a caregiver with you
to appointments
takes the pressure
off remembering everything.
Your caregiver can also make
phone calls,
advocate
for alternative treatments,
and help you find your voice
when talking with doctors
or nurses.
During treatment, you might feel
sad, anxious, or frustrated.
Having a trusted friend
or family member
you can share your feelings
with, may help ease that burden.
He or she can be there just
to listen,
arrange social activities,
and also, know when to seek
outside help.
It can be hard to give up
control, but it can also
be freeing to delegate to loved
ones
so you can devote more time
to your treatments.
