Consider your strengths and limits Many caregivers say that, looking back, they took too much on themselves. They often say they wish they had asked for help sooner. Take an honest look at what you can do, and what you can’t do. Ask yourself, what things am I good at? What can I ask others to help with? What do I need to take care of myself?
This may mean letting go of what you don’t really have to do, and focusing on the things you can control. This could include: l H elping schedule doctor visits l K eeping a record of all health visits, scans, blood tests and other health information l L earning more about melanoma and treatment options l K eeping a list of weekly household tasks and activities
Ask for help Accepting help from others isn’t always easy. But, as your loved one goes through treatment and more challenges come up, accepting help for yourself will also help your loved one. People want to help, but they may not know how. It can be a relief to others when you ask for what you need.
Lotsa Helping Hands Lotsa Helping Hands ( www.lotsahelpinghands.com ) is a free online service that helps families organize help from friends and family. You can build an online community to help you: l O rganize meal deliveries, rides to appointments and visits from friends and family l A rrange for help with household chores such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, yard work, dog walking and childcare l E asily communicate and share updates using announcements, message boards and photos CaringBridge CaringBridge ( www.caringbridge.org ) is a free online service that allows families to stay connected through personalized patient websites.
Melanoma Patient and Caregiver Guide | Stages 2–3 48
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