Caregiver Corner: It Takes a Family
Everyone in a family is affected when a member is diagnosed with cancer. We were all busy with careers and everyday life when my son, Greg, found a lump under his left arm. Surgical biopsy showed malignant melanoma, and subsequent studies revealed a dreaded stage 4 diagnosis.
Being a Diagnostic Radiologist, I worked with cancer patients every day, performing biopsies for diagnosis and following the progress of treatments. However, it did not prepare me for the devastation I experienced as a mother or my determination to help find the best possible treatment for Greg.
Although the diagnosis was devastating, our family quickly united to be with Greg through his cancer journey. His wife, Carol, became his primary caregiver. She managed his everyday medical needs, provided emotional comfort and organized logistics. I assumed the role of his patient advocate and helped him understand all the information we were receiving and make decisions about the pathway he wished to pursue. The three of us became a tight “unit” that went to every appointment, imaging study, and procedure Greg underwent. My husband, “Poppy” to our grandsons, who were 8 and 12 years old at the time, helped care for the boys. We leaned heavily on each other for support. Some days were overwhelming, but we picked each other up and carried the burden together.
We were fortunate to have a close group who could assist as secondary caregivers during the treatment process, including friends and neighbors. By providing additional emotional support, as well as practical assistance, we were able to help Greg negotiate the many everyday challenges that occurred.
Greg came to Moffitt 13 years ago to participate in a clinical trial using emerging immune therapy. He has remained disease-free since that time, which is something we celebrate every day.
Visit our Caregivers and Family page to learn more about resources available for caregivers, including support groups and the In It Together podcast.
This story was originally published in the PARTNERS newsletter. Visit Moffitt.org/PARTNERS for more stories and to learn more.