Especially for Caregivers
Support is so important for those dealing with lung cancer. In addition to local
support groups, you may find comfort in these Web sites:
Lung Cancer Alliance
A nonprofit organization devoted solely to supporting and improving the quality
of lives of people with lung cancer. Offers a phone buddy program for patient-to-patient
support and a geographic listing of in-person lung cancer support groups.
http://www.lungcanceralliance.org
Cancer Care
CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional
support services for anyone affected by cancer, including access to online support
groups
http://www.cancercare.org
Lung Cancer Online
A gateway to lung cancer resources for the benefit of people with lung cancer and
their families.
http://www.lungcanceronline.org
The Cancer Supportive Care Program
Provides information on various topics, including anemia, nutrition, fatigue, and
pain control.
http://www.cancersupportivecare.com
Family Caregiver Alliance
Provides education, services, research and advocacy for caregivers
http://www.caregiver.org
Gilda's Club, Inc. provides emotional and social support for cancer patients, caregivers, and families. Children's support programs, networking groups, workshops, and lectures are available.
http://www.gildasclub.org
National Family Caregivers Association
Provides education, support and advocacy for family caregivers.
http://www.nfcacares.org
National Lung Cancer Partnership
The National Lung Cancer Partnership is a non-profit organization that aims to help patients with lung cancer live longer and better, through research, awareness, and advocacy.
http://www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org
Onco Link is a resource from the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania that provides a "Coping With Cancer" section that offers support and resources for caregivers.
http://www.oncolink.upenn.edu
Vital Options International®, Inc. offers psychological and social support for patients and families by using communications technology. This nonprofit organization holds The Group Room®, a nationally syndicated call-in radio show each week that is simulcast live on the Web.
http://www.vitaloptions.org
The Wellness Community offers education and emotional support to cancer patients and their families. The program includes support groups, stress-reduction techniques, cancer education workshops, exercise tips, and social events.
http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org
While you help care for someone with cancer, it’s important that you take good care of yourself, too – in both body and mind. These tips from the National Cancer Institute may help:
Six steps to staying healthy
- Stay on schedule with your own medical needs: checkups, screenings and tests.
- Keep taking your medicines as prescribed. To save time, ask your doctor for extra refills, and try to have your medicines delivered.
- Maintain healthy eating habits – for your sake, and your loved one’s. If your loved one is hospitalized, or has long medical appointments, bring along easily packable sandwiches, salads, and fruits.
- Get plenty of rest. If sleep is a continuing problem, talk with your doctor.
- Stay active. Enjoy any kind of physical activity at least 15 minutes per day: walking, gardening, cleaning or just going up and down stairs can help.
- Manage stress. Giving yourself time to relax is an important part of self-care. Read, talk on the phone, stretch, or whatever helps you unwind.
Caregivers have rights, too. These affirmations may comfort and support you while you do the same for your loved one.
