A Family's Journey: Surviving Cancer
A Family's Journey: Surviving Cancer
“When cancer strikes a spouse, the effects of the disease reach far beyond the body of the sick person” (Relationship Changes 1). Many families in America go through the vicious and life changing journey of cancer in their household. This journey changes the lives of these people and their perspective on life. During this journey many families have to adjust to their new situations. Children might need to take care of parents, spouses may have to get a second job, and kids will have to take up extra duties around the house. The effects of cancer on a family can be very life changing and effect the family right from the diagnosis all the way up to the death of that family member.
The first time cancer starts …show more content…
These roles may be hard to adjust to for the family. The American Society of Clinical Oncology suggests that “If you [cancer patient] must stop working, your partner may need to go back to work or work extra hours...taking on caregiving responsibilities” (2). Many times, “...other children in the family are often left in the care of many other caregivers including neighbors, friends, and extended family members” (Hoffman 2). But, some people may not want to be involved these people's lives. People will have a hard time talking to a cancer patient, and may try to ignore that person at all costs. Some close friends and even family members will not know what to talk to them about, and may even feel uncomfortable being around them (Family Life 3). While cancer is hard to live with for the whole family sometimes it is harder for the healthy family members than the sick; ¨...the patient [sometimes even] reported a better quality of life than the spouse¨ (Relationship Changes 2). The spouse is under a lot of pressure at this point in the family. They have to provide enough money to be comfortable, take care of the sick spouse or child, and take care of any possible kids they
“When cancer strikes a spouse, the effects of the disease reach far beyond the body of the sick person” (Relationship Changes 1). Many families in America go through the vicious and life changing journey of cancer in their household. This journey changes the lives of these people and their perspective on life. During this journey many families have to adjust to their new situations. Children might need to take care of parents, spouses may have to get a second job, and kids will have to take up extra duties around the house. The effects of cancer on a family can be very life changing and effect the family right from the diagnosis all the way up to the death of that family member.
The first time cancer starts …show more content…
These roles may be hard to adjust to for the family. The American Society of Clinical Oncology suggests that “If you [cancer patient] must stop working, your partner may need to go back to work or work extra hours...taking on caregiving responsibilities” (2). Many times, “...other children in the family are often left in the care of many other caregivers including neighbors, friends, and extended family members” (Hoffman 2). But, some people may not want to be involved these people's lives. People will have a hard time talking to a cancer patient, and may try to ignore that person at all costs. Some close friends and even family members will not know what to talk to them about, and may even feel uncomfortable being around them (Family Life 3). While cancer is hard to live with for the whole family sometimes it is harder for the healthy family members than the sick; ¨...the patient [sometimes even] reported a better quality of life than the spouse¨ (Relationship Changes 2). The spouse is under a lot of pressure at this point in the family. They have to provide enough money to be comfortable, take care of the sick spouse or child, and take care of any possible kids they