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It's been one month since my dad's metastatic lung cancer diagnosis. He got sick 3 days ago and had high fever that we were told to go to ER. He started antibiotics, I am feeling really burnt out from hurrying between doctors and all the fear of not understanding what is happening. What should I do? How do other family members deal with this? What would you recommend as a patient about what the best thing for close family to do is?
It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed and exhausted during this challenging time. The first step is acknowledging that you need support too. Breaking tasks down into smaller, manageable steps can help reduce feeling overwhelmed. Set limits and don't be afraid to ask others for help when you need it. Consider creating a Show Full Answer
Hi alHarmandar,
I am a caregiver to my husband, it is pretty much just him and me. I take off of work to take him to ALL his appointments, I now do all the shopping (grocery shopping was his happy place, still is), errands, pharmacy, you name it. We do most of this together now. I joined this group not only to compare notes with other patients, but to find a sense of community. When we first learned about having Stage 4 it seemed like our world fell apart. It was overwhelming, lots of tears, sleepless nights, uncertainty.
What has helped me is taking it one day at a time. I know it sounds simple, but it works. When I look too far into the future I get overwhelmed. I become anxious, tearful, I can't catch my breath. The future takes me to really dark places and I fall into this low place. When I focus on the day, sometimes even the hour, it grounds me. I focus on the task at hand and nothing more. I focus on my husband's smile, his presence, his smell, his voice. Sure, it is ok to look ahead, maybe toward the weekend, but I honestly do not look further than that. This is what has helped me.
I also fall asleep saying the Lord's Prayer and Hail Mary. I see you all aren't religious, but this is also a form of meditation. Have you tried meditation? I love doing full body scan meditations, gratitude meditations, grounding meditations. I never really knew about it or practiced it, but it has helped.
It is easy to say "I know how you feel," but I don't know how you feel, I only know how I feel. I only know what has helped me. I hope these small suggestions will help you, even if it is just a little.
Sending you so much comfort and peace, we are here for you.
❤️Deb
Al look into seeing a psychiatrist. I was crying all the time and have been put on 2 medications which has helped alot. This is so much to deal with.
Wow what a hard hit Teresa I'll add you to my prayers for peace of mind and body during this difficult time.
Teresa, may he rest in peace and I hope you get well soon. journaling is a good idea I will do that, thanks. Please take care of yourself
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