Especially for Caregivers
Support is so important for those dealing with prostate cancer. In addition to local
support groups, you may find comfort in these Websites:
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
The Cancer Supportive Care Program
Provides information on various topics, including anemia, nutrition, fatigue, and
pain control.
http://www.cancersupportivecare.com
Gilda's Club Worldwide
Provides emotional and social support for cancer patients, caregivers, and families.
Children’s support programs, networking groups, workshops, and lectures also are
available.
http://gildasclub.org
National Prostate Cancer Coalition
Leading edge resources, news, advocacy, and support for patients and caregivers.
http://www.pcacoalition.org
Onco Link
A resource center 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
Prostate Cancer Foundation
A comprehensive source of information and support about the disease, including support
groups, suggested reading, financial resources, and research news, with information
specifically for caregivers.
http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org
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.
