The American Cancer Society evaluated 1.9 billion new cancer cases and around 600,000 deaths in 2022. Hence, there are high chances of people getting diagnosed with cancer. In such challenging times, patients often require support from partners and families to recover.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to cure this disease. However, the treatments take a toll on health. Radiation, chemo, financial stress, and other factors can make a person vulnerable. Hence, having a supportive partner can help you ease your journey throughout.
We're here to help you through the tough times. This article mentions some critical tips on being there for your partner and being informed about the journey ahead.
It will take a lot of work, but together you can do it! Read on!
Learn the Root Cause
Of course, the situation is overwhelming, but you need to learn the root cause of this condition. According to doctors, two significant reasons for cancer are family history and close contact with harmful chemicals, such as PFAs, and afff exposure.
Exposure to these harmful toxins is possible if your partner has worked as a firefighter. They use this foam to suppress fires that water alone can not. Unfortunately, many contagions used in this foam can build up in the body over time. Thus, increasing the risk of getting life-threatening diseases, including cancer. Another reason could be when these chemicals leach into groundwater and people consume it.
So, if the cause of cancer is PFAs exposure, You can speak with AFFF lawsuit attorneys and file a claim against the responsible parties to gain financial aid. There are more than 3400 cases in the Federal court. The lawyers will help you in getting the deserving compensation. The amount shall help get the best medical treatment and cover other damages due to the illness.
Offer Emotional Support
In such situations, a person feels vulnerable and is often under pressure to maintain a positive mindset. It has been seen that this pressure usually refrains them from sharing their true feelings, thus, resulting in an emotional build-up. Your partner might not share their fears because they do not want to upset or burden you.
Therefore, you must offer them the emotional space to share their darkest fears and feelings with you. You both must realize that the times are tough, but you are getting the treatment, and it will all be okay. It is necessary to validate both the positive and the negative emotions. Lack of validating their feelings may significantly impact their psychological well-being and immunity, thus affecting the recovery plan.
Confront Sexual Issues Together
Cancer treatment often affects the sexual interests of the patient. It can also have a substantial effect on you as a partner. Therefore, you must openly communicate with your partner about this issue.
Many patients feel a pang of guilt about not being able to offer sexual affirmation in their relationship. Thus, you take the lead and let them know that their survival means the most to you and you are both together. Let them know your love is driven not solely by sexual performance or physical attractiveness but by their well-being. There have been cases where couples have shared that knowing that someday they will say goodbye to each other made them hold stronger and cherish their relationship even more.
Boost Your Support Network
It is a given fact that the caregiver's responsibilities increase if their significant other is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. No matter how strong you are, there will be times when you need to vent out and relax your mind from the tight schedule. Therefore, you must boost your support network.
Speak with your friends and family about how you would appreciate their help. Let them know what sort of help you require and when. It will make it easier for you to plan and supervise the situation better. Caregiving is challenging and exhausts a person mentally, emotionally, physically, and even financially. Therefore, you must seek help and ways to energize yourself because you are your partner's hope of survival.
Bottom Line
We hope you maintain a steady relationship by incorporating these strategies. You may also be able to find therapists in the hospital to help you through the rough phase. Nobody comes prepared to fight life-threatening diseases, so it is okay to feel anxious and numb. However, the zeal to win this situation and offer your best can help you get through the journey as a couple.
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