Why is daddy so tired all the time?
Why is mommy losing her hair?
Why doesn’t mommy pick me up from school anymore?
When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, children have questions. Although no parent wants to talk with their child about cancer, communication is very important. Here are some tips to make this conversation easier, courtesy [...]

A cancer diagnosis can put stress on even the happiest of couples. Here are some ideas, many gleaned from Cancer.Net, for encouraging more peaceful and fruitful communication with your partner during this difficult time.
Share your true feelings.
Feelings such as anger, fear, resentment and frustration are all par for the course in the face of a [...]

What is it?
If you have a loved one with cancer, you may have heard the words ‘palliative care’ mentioned at some point.
At first, most people aren’t sure what palliative care means. Some people confuse palliative care with hospice care. Although they share some of the same principles, they also differ in some important ways.
For one, [...]

For many of us, a loved one’s cancer diagnosis is our first foray into the world of cancer. Immediately, we have questions. We want to know everything we can about a certain type of cancer, including what treatments exist; where to get the best care; and what research is being done in the hopes of [...]

I’m a researcher by nature. In an attempt to maintain some control, I did a lot of legwork for Jon. I researched. I asked. I read. I reached out to others and got organized. Jon was very dazed; I had read this might happen. I read that I should go on all visits with him, and take notes, because he may not be 100 percent aware of everything. This was true, and Jon thanked me profusely for helping him, particularly in those early days.

Here are some more of the things I’ve learned:

It’s important to be your loved one’s eyes and ears; go with them to appointments and stay by their side. Be aware, pleasant, and persistent, when necessary.

Yes, You Can!
 
Taking care of a loved one with cancer is difficult. It can take a serious toll on your health, your relationships, and your quality of life
Others have most likely told you that you need to take care of yourself. Maybe you feel you can’t because you must be there all of the time—going [...]

This post is written by guest blogger Pamela Post-Ferrante, MEd,MFA,CAGS. Pam is a cancer survivor and writer who leads writing and healing support groups for those who have experienced cancer and also for caretakers. She is an Adjunct Faculty at Lesley University’s Graduate School of Expressive Therapies and a Fellow of the IBMS. She is [...]

Last week, Rebecca Madore, M.S, CGC, offered an introduction to genetic testing for family members of cancer patients. This week she answers some frequently asked questions about the process.
Who is a good candidate for genetic testing?
Someone age 18 or over who has strong family history of cancer (breast, ovarian, and colorectal in particular) may benefit [...]

Is it all in the family?
No one really likes to think about their cancer risk, but if there is a strong cancer history in your family, you may want to consider genetic testing.
“Although it can be anxiety-provoking for some people, finding out your risk can either put your mind at ease, or help you make [...]

Did you know that fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes all have important nutrients and other cancer-fighting substances that strengthen immune function and destroy cancer causing substances before they cause harm? That’s just one of the many potentially life-saving tips to be found on the Cancer Project Web site. In addition, they offer countless cancer-fighting recipes.