August 10, 2015

Prayer Rituals for Patients and Family Members

Catholic Religious practices include bedside prayers, the Eucharist (if requested) and the use of sacramental aids in the spiritual life, including such items as rosary beads and holy images of saints, especially Mary, the mother of Jesus. “During the Anointing of the Sick, a priest will anoint the patient with blessed oil, forgive all sins […]

February 10, 2015

Tips for Caregivers Impacted by Addiction

The negative impact of addiction is not limited to the patient. It also affects caregivers, who are already dealing with increased physical and emotional stress. “Alcohol and nicotine have high rates of recidivism,” says Laura Sunn, MD, psychiatrist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) in Zion, Illinois, “which makes it hard on the caregiver […]

January 9, 2015

What to Say and Do When a Friend has Cancer

When a friend is facing cancer, it can be difficult to know what to say. As a result, we often choose to say nothing—or, worse, the wrong thing. If a friend is battling cancer, take a deep breath and think before you speak. Here are some general guidelines: Don’t: Don’t use well-meaning but trite phrases […]

January 3, 2015

Caregiving 101: A Crash Course in Caregiving

By definition a caregiver is anyone helping a loved one navigate a significant illness, such as cancer—but the term doesn’t even come close to describing the endless list of roles associated with caregiving. Caregivers are charged with a multitude of tasks and responsibilities. If you’re stepping into the role of caregiver for the first time, […]

November 3, 2014

Empowered Choices

From the point of their diagnosis, cancer patients and their families encounter a number of significant transitional points. Decisions about where to seek treatment, which type of therapy will best meet treatment goals and how to approach survivorship planning—all are pivotal junctures on the cancer journey, requiring careful consideration of all available insight and a […]

November 3, 2014

What is the Difference Between Hospice Care and Palliative Care?

Patients and families are often confused by the terms “hospice” and “palliative” care. “It’s a common misconception that palliative medicine is the same as hospice, but this is not the case,” says Brandy Ficek, MD, Medical Director of Quality of Life and Palliative Medicine at Cancer Treatment Centers of America®(CTCA) in Goodyear, Arizona. Hospice care, […]

October 29, 2014

Stress-Busting Tips for Caregivers

Facing a cancer diagnosis is stressful. But it’s not just the patients that face stress. Caregivers also need help managing stress. Often feeling helpless and frightened because they don’t know what’s going to happen to their loved one, many feel guilty if they focus on themselves, observes Katherine Puckett, PhD, MS, MSW, LCSW, National Director […]

May 1, 2014

Your Loved One Has Cancer: You Can Make a Difference

Cancer is likely one of the most difficult challenges you and your loved one will ever face. As the caregiver, your body may be unaffected by the disease, but you may feel the effects of the diagnosis in every other aspect of your life. Each person and each family has a unique experience with cancer. […]