looking for help for a caregiver

pahahn
pahahn Member Posts: 5
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
my mom is falling apart - my dad was diagnosed with NSCLC stage 3b in October of 2006 and she's been trying to handle it on her own, but just can't. is there anyone out there who would be willing to talk to my mom via phone to offer her support and understanding? (in the same situation) I can't help her - I am dealing with this as a daughter who's father has cancer - I can't even fathom what it's like for her at this point.
any suggestions?

Comments

  • kaitek
    kaitek Member Posts: 156 Member
    #2
    Hi again pahahn,

    Sorry to hear your mother is distressed from the overwhelming strain of coping with cancer - even as a caregiver. That's the neglected secret about cancer: even those in support are emotionally beaten by the disease.

    The best option is for your mother to come to chat. Now, this site isn't the most active. She may get better responses from Lung Cancer Support Network. Here's the link to that site:

    http://lchelp.org/

    Still, I often see a fair number of people in the chat room. I've never been in chats, so I have no idea what chats go on. But your mother may find kindred souls to talk to.

    If that doesn't seem to help any, your mother and yourself have an open offer to email me anytime via the envelope icon at the bottom of my message. I am a full-time caregiver for my mother and I have no complaints. I'll gladly provide any insights, tips or emotional support for either of you. Only problem is that I don't check in here often. But if you do contact me from here, I can provide you with my personal email address you can talk to me directly.

    There are usually Gilda Radner organizations all across the nation that help with support for cancer patients and caregivers. Perhaps your mother could seek them out, too. Yes, those cancer support networks are usually for general cancer but consider that most cancer patients are coping with lung cancer.

    You can also ask the hospital or clinic for more local support organizations.

    Again, you have an open invitation to talk to me via email.

    Good luck to you, your mother and father. I wish you all my best.
  • Plymouthean
    Plymouthean Member Posts: 262
    #3
    The Lung Cancer Alliance has a "Phone Buddy" program, which may be of help. I have no first-hand experience with them, but I believe it is worth looking into.
    Go to lungcanceralliance.org .
    On their home page, select "Facing Lung Cancer" at the top left, on the gray bar.
    Select "Support" from the drop-down menu.
    On next screen, scroll down to "Phone Buddy Program", in center of page. This will bring you to a description of the program, and how to reach them, how to register, etc. It also includes a toll-free telephone number.
  • ernrol
    ernrol Member Posts: 90
    #4
    I had stage IIIb/ IV lung cancer, for now I am cancer free. I was told that this would not happen, but they did not know my chief physician I was not a candidate for surgery or radiation. . You can type ernrol in the search box at top of screen, then click on any place you see ernrol to the right of screen. This will take you to my web page. If you would like more info about the things I did let me know, and I can e-mail them. We could set up a phone call.
    Stay positive,
    Ernie

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