Handling and dealing with end-stage cancer in your parent can be one of the toughest things you ever do. However, there are some tips for handling this stage of cancer if you need them. While cancer will never get easier to deal with, especially in a loved one, it is with great hope that these tips can guide you in handling it better.
Acknowledge Dying and Death
Many people will ignore the words dying and death when they have a parent with end-stage cancer. The problem is, with end-stage cancer, this is what is happening. It can be one of the toughest things you ever have to deal with. However, ignoring the truth that is right in front of you, will make grieving all that much more difficult.
Expressing Your Emotions is Helpful
When your parent has end-stage cancer, it is helpful to express your emotions. The positive memories and sad emotions, too, should all be expressed. You may want to act like everything is going to be alright for your parent, but the truth must be put in motion. Your parent knows what is happening, they can feel it physically and emotionally. They don’t expect you to hide from your emotions, no matter what you are feeling.
Be Present
While it may be scary and frightening to watch your parent with end-stage cancer, being present in their last years, months, or days is crucial. Show them you love them and you care about them. When it comes to caregivers, family really does matter at all times.
Create Positive Conversations
While everything may seem depressing when your parent has end-stage cancer, it can be helpful to create positive conversations. Most of the time the talk may be about symptoms your parent is experiencing, doctor’s appointments, home care provider help, and other things like that. However, it doesn’t always have to be that way. You can increase the positivity in your parent’s last years, months, or days.
Listen to Messages Your Parent Has
In the final days, your parent may have messages they want to give to you or others. It is important for their peace of mind and yours that you listen to these messages and convey them appropriately.
Get Legal Documents in Order
It will make things easier when your parent passes away if you get legal documents in order ahead of time. Yes, it may be tough to think about doing this, but it is going to save you a lot of stress later on.
If your parent has end-stage cancer, this can be tough. As a family caregiver, you may be having a difficult time coping with it all. However, it is with the hope that these tips find you well. They may be able to help you handle your parent’s end-stage cancer and the entire situation better, as well.
Sources
Cancer.gov
Nia.nih.gov
