My aunt has cancer and has chemo each week. I called her today and told her that I would like to visit with her for a couple of hours each day, just to keep her company. She loved the idea.
We plan to read and study the Bible together and I will help with cooking/shopping/cleaning.
Any suggestions on anything that I can do to help her to make this time in her life any easier.??
2007-08-23 15:47:58 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
You can help her with her chores, letter writing or bill paying. Go with her shopping for groceries and clothes that are going to be more comfortable for her, doctor appts to sit with her...fun things to keep her mind off of the cancer world would be her hobbies or teach her yours. Sewing, scrapbooking,stamping, beadwork or play card games, scrabble, yahtzee. Buy some puzzles to work on together or a photo album to organize her pictures with her. Listen to music or read a book together...anything to bring her old life back to her so she doesn't have to constantly be reminded that she is now sick. On the days that she is tired or hurting...offer to massage her with lotions or give her quiet time from the phone and doorbell and have her take a good long nap. You can make smoothies or find recipes that will be easy for her to eat...soothing things that she will be able to hold down,etc. Once you go a couple times...you'll see for yourself how she's doing and what areas you can really help. Just by being there will mean so much to her and you are a real sweetheart for doing this. She'll need you more than ever now. God Bless.
2007-08-23 18:46:25 · answer #1 · answered by aknana 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cooking/shopping/cleaning is a great start. Actually a great end too. Let her be tired and doze off, don't make her feel she has to be alert when you are there. Maybe she won't want a visitor a day or two after treatment. If it causes nausea or diarhea that isn't fun in front of company. Don't wear any perfume or such like stuff when you visit. Funny movies are good - laughter gets the endophins flowing.
2007-08-24 00:10:54 · answer #2 · answered by hanora 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your aunt is lucky to have you!
All of what you have suggested is good.
I found it was also important to keep in touch with normality.
If she is a keen gardener, sitting in the shade while you do tasks under her supervision..... or a slow walk in a nearby park.
A slow stroll windowshopping......
Taking a favorite pet for a walk....
It depends on where the cancer is,if she is incapacitated by surgery etc.
Other wise the chemo makes you tired and often nauseous but getting fresh air and exercise (within limits) helps! Remember to protect from sun, chemo can make you more sensetive to the suns rays.
2007-08-23 23:07:45 · answer #3 · answered by Tarkarri 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Let her let off steam.hold her hand through the pain,get her whatever she needs,keep her comfortable,Stay with her and watch over her,always be positive,lean a shoulder to cry on. That's pretty much it. Don't get overwhelmed spend sometime for yourself. Taking care of someone is very exhasting and time consuming
2007-08-25 18:10:17 · answer #4 · answered by astrocytomasurvivor 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds perfect. One of the worse things about serious illness is the isolation.
Your aunt is lucky to have you.
2007-08-24 07:33:44 · answer #5 · answered by thinkingtime 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋