Don't push yourself too hard when beginning a rigorous cancer treatment program. Before going into treatment, reduce the stress of managing day-to-day life by re-allocating responsibilities. Call on family, friends and community organizations to help with daily tasks and errands.

Around the house

Your treatment program may interfere with your ability to carry out regular household tasks. One way to deal with this is to sit down and draw up a plan for shifting responsibilities. If you live with a spouse and children, do this together. Here area few suggestions to get started:

• Ask friends and family to help you with occasional chores, making meals or delivering pre-cooked foods
• Hire a housekeeper and/or a babysitter from time to time
• Ask friends or family who can help shuttle the kids to classes, activities, and games.

Get everyone involved
Try these tips for involving the whole family:

• Let your family know that things may change for awhile and they might need to do some additional chores
  
  
• Ask everyone in the immediate family to get involved with care. Even people who live far away can provide some support.
  
  
• Write down and discuss any questions and concerns about health, financial, or housing issues. If problems have already come up in getting help, talk about them
  
  
• Every few weeks, take the time to sit down together to talk about how things are going
  
  
• Set aside any hurt feelings, grudges or suspicions and work together.

Get your spouse involved
Your spouse is in this with you. Here are some tips for working together:

• Continue to make time for each other as a married couple, even if it is just breakfast in bed or a Sunday walk
• Tell your spouse exactly how he or she can help and remember to thank any efforts
• Let your spouse know that its okay to be honest about his or her feelings and encourage communication.

Get the kids involved
Allowing kids to get involved will relieve their anxiety. Make them a part of the team by:

• Being up front with your children and give them honest answers to any questions. Take time to listen to their concerns
• No matter what, find time for fun – even if it’s just sitting on the bed with an arm around them for a cuddle
• Ask them how they would like to help.

The challenges

Be aware that it may not always be smooth sailing. Sometimes one family member feels like they are taking on a bigger load than others. Some may be grappling with the fact that you have cancer and behave badly as a defense mechanism. Keep communication open and allow everyone to express what they are feeling. Talk out any differences of opinion and try a new tack if an old one isn't working.

On the job

People with cancer find that it is important to continue working while undergoing cancer treatment. However, getting well is the first priority. You may encounter troublesome side effects during treatment that will reduce your productivity and require you to spend more time resting.

Since you can't know how you will react to any treatment before you undergo it, consider beforehand how your cancer battle will affect your work performance. As you begin to gauge how your treatment is affecting your day-to-day health, you may find it necessary to decrease your work hours or take some time off.

Some people find working keeps their minds off their illness and leaves them feeling more energized and productive. If you choose to continue working, schedule treatments toward the end of your work week so that you can recuperate over the weekend and feel less drained by the time you return to work on Monday.

It can also be helpful to talk to your boss about arranging a part-time or a work-from-home schedule while you are receiving treatments.

In the community

People concerned for your well-being will try to assist in any small ways they can. Let them! Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to community organizations for support. Many have volunteers who want to help people in your situation, whether it’s by walking the dog, shopping for groceries, or watering the garden.

See also

• Sharing your support story
• Staying positive
• Proper nutrition
• Just diagnosed?