Compassionate Caregivers:
Navigating Cancer’s Challenges
This new series aims to help caregivers support loved ones by becoming active participants in the care team, confidently discussing stigmatized elements of gynecologic cancer, gaining skills to balance time and prioritize their own mental health, and more. Below you will find links to the six modules in the series. Download this Compassionate Caregivers flyer to share the series with others.
Module 1 – The Journey Begins
Starting at their cancer diagnosis: what initial exams to expect, what certain results may mean, what types of doctors you will be meeting, how to build a relationship with the doctors, how to be present at appointments, and how to show up for your person.
Module 2 – A Continuing Journey
All things before, during, and after common surgeries. Including: developing a pre-operative plan to get your questions answered by doctors and ease your loved one’s recovery process and discussing your loved ones’ post-surgical personal care needs and prepare to provide support.
Module 3 – Staying the Course
Reviewing common treatments your loved one might encounter for treating gynecologic cancer. This module includes downloadable guides for helping your loved one manage common symptoms as well as a review of tactics to help combat caregiver fatigue.
Module 4 – Navigating Relationship Changes
This module reviews ways to have conversations with your loved one about each other’s needs and for checking in with each other regularly as needs change. Discover common factors that impact your personal relationship during cancer treatment.
Module 5 – Staying Afloat
How to care for yourself while caring for another so you can show up for them fully. For example, tips on how to manage guilt and high expectations of yourself, the importance of building and relying on a support network and resources to support your caregiving journey.
Module 6 – Dancing With NED
The path to recovery and things to note for surveillance. Recall the differences between NED (no evidence of disease), remission, surveillance, survivorship, and recurrence and recognizing some common challenges of returning to “normal” life and living with the new.
This educational series made possible by generous grants from:
