Caring for someone with cancer

by Josie Padro

September|October 2013

Caring for someone with cancer can mean

providing emotional support, physical care or

help with household chores—sometimes very

little, other times quite a lot. In that way it’s

not very different from caring for someone

with any other illness or disability.

Those caring for someone with cancer will

likely experience a whole new learning curve.

Each type of cancer comes with it’s own

disease process, prognosis and treatment

options. Patients and their families find

themselves sorting through information

about chemotherapy, radiation therapy and

surgery. In addition to treatment there are

often side effects to consider, as well as

learning how to deal with them.

As with any new medical diagnosis, it’s

important to understand what it is and how it

will be treated. It can be intimidating to ask

for information or to clarification, but

knowing what to expect will help reduce

Cancer resources for caregivers

North Shore Family Resources Caregiver

Program offers support groups and

workshops for caregivers. See page 4 and

5 for our September and October

sessions.

BC Cancer Agency, www.bccancer.bc.ca,

provides cancer care, conducts cancer

research and promotes cancer

prevention. Their website contains a

information for those with cancer and

their caregivers.

Canadian Cancer Society of BC,

www.cancer.ca, provides information and

support for people with cancer and their

family members. Phone: 1-888-939-3333.

Inspire Health focuses on provides

complementary support for those with

cancer. Caregivers may find them helpful

for the person they care for. For more

information check out their website,

www.inspirehealth.ca, or call them at

604-734-7125. Continued on page 3.

A bimonthly newsletter published by the Caregiver Support Program

Page 2

On the caregiver bookshelf

available in the NSCR caregiver library or in the public library where noted

Goodnight Mind is a

small book with a

large amount of

information for those

who have trouble

getting a good night

sleep. Authors Colleen

E. Carney and Rachel

Manber, explore the

reasons behind insomnia and how to get a

better rest. Also available at West Vancouver

Memorial Library.

September| October 2013

Healing Walks for

Hard Times explores

the physical and

emotional benefits of

walking. Author

Carolyn Scott Kortge

points out that

walking can be used

as a form of

meditation and a way to release tension

and fear. Also available at North Vancouver

City Library.

Meg Federico’s Welcome

to the Departure Lounge

is a made up of

anecdotes collected over

10 years of caregiving.

Using good-natured

humour, her stories

touch on the situations

that many caregivers

encounter and can relate

to, whether they’re about family

relationships, aging or simply coping with

everyday life.

Whether you’re

dealing with conflict or

you’re having to

broach a long-avoided

subject, Difficult

Conversations provides

information to help

you tackle those

issues. The authors

suggest ways to look at each conversation,

how to listen and how to express yourself

effectively. Also available at North

Vancouver libraries.

The Family Caregivers’ Grapevine Page 3

fear of the unknown. Caregivers can help by

taking notes during medical appointments

and asking questions along the way.

While it’s natural to search the internet for

information, it’s also important to check that

the source of information is up to date and

trustworthy. Also, you may be overwhelmed

by all the described worse-case scenarios. It’s

important not to panic, but to discuss the

information with your health care provider so

that they can put it into perspective.

Those dealing with cancer sometimes

experience health challenges related to their

treatment. A few of those issues are listed

here :

Sore mouth – some treatments may cause

the tissues in the mouth to breakdown,

causing pain and difficulty eating . Check the

mouth regularly and encourage frequent

rinsing. Avoid store-bought mouth washes

that contain alcohol and could further irritate

the mouth. Sipping warm tea may help, as can

eating cold foods such as freezies or ice

cream.

Fatigue – whether it’s due to the cancer itself

or to the treatment, those with cancer often

experience fatigue. This may mean putting

activities into priority and choosing the most

important and most meaningful.

Lowered resistance to infection – Cancer

treatment can take a toll on the immune

system, with risk of infection becoming a

serious concern. Ask your physician what kind

of precautions you need to take. Hand

washing is always extremely important. It may

be necessary to avoid crowds and those with

active colds or viruses. Raw foods such as

sushi and vegetable sprouts are often not

recommended.

Poor nutrition–dealing with cancer, cancer

treatment, and even recovery can require a

lot of energy. Add fatigue and a sore mouth

and it’s no surprise those dealing with cancer

need extra nutrition. It’s a good time to mix

up some high calorie smoothies and serve

frequent small meals rather than three large

ones. As with any nutritional issue, be sure to

consult a registered dietician, either at the

hospital, at your local health unit or by

phoning HealthLink BC, www.healthlinkbc.ca,

at 8-1-1.

Continued from page 1.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people

will never forget how you made them feel.” —Maya Angelou

Creating a positive homecare experience

A presentation and informative discussion will

focus on common caregiver issues:

• knowing when to start homecare

• understanding the range of services

available and the benefits of having

homecare

• dealing with resistance to receiving

support

• promoting caregiver well-being through

homecare

Monday, September 9, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

at West Vancouver Community Health Centre,

main floor, 2121 Marine Drive, West

Vancouver. Presented by BevThompson, a

registered nurse with Living Well Homecare,

and Karyn Davies of the Caregiver Support

Program.

Mastering the waves of change

In this session you will explore the challenges

and opportunities of going through change,

strategies for coping when you feel

overwhelmed, a natural health approach to

creating balance, and natural stress relief

methods that you can use at home.

Wednesday September 18, 10:00 a.m. to

1:00 p.m., Parkgate Library, 3675 Banff Court,

North Vancouver.

Cheryl Brewster is a speaker and consultant

on mastering change through the power of

intuition. She provides a safe and fun

environment to stretch comfort zones, and

transform a sense of fear into peace,

confidence and hope.

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Julie Durnan

has a passion for showing people what she

has learned to be the most effective means to

optimal health and longevity, using gentle,

results-oriented tools.

Tuesday walk and talks

Rejuvenate with a stroll on the Ambleside

seawall. Get to know other caregivers, and

enjoy fresh air and conversation. The walk

and talks take place, rain or shine, 10:30 a.m.

to noon on September 3 and 24, October 8

and 22, November 19, and December 17.

Meet at the covered picnic area in John

Lawson Park, West Vancouver.

For registration and information on all sessions except webinars, contact Karyn by email at

karyn.davies@nscr.bc.ca or by phone at 604-982-3320.

September/October 2013 Calendar of Events

September| October 2013 Page 4

The Family Caregivers’ Grapevine Page 5

Sleep Restoration

This practical workshop will explore the

causes, symptoms, and treatment of sleep

problems. It will provide tips and techniques

to help you sleep better, as well as effective

relaxation exercises that promote sleep.

Friday, October 4, 10:30 to noon, West

Vancouver Community Health Centre, main

floor, 2121 Marine Drive, West Vancouver.

Jennifer Scott is a registered clinical counsellor

and registered dance/movement therapist.

She has a special interest in empowering

caregivers, and in supporting people’s

deepening connection to self, nature, and

community.

Musical Reflections

Enjoy the music of Craig Addy. Some

participants (as many as time permits) will

have a unique song created for them while

experiencing sound vibrations from the piano.

Craig Addy is a classically trained musician

who enjoys sharing his love for sound with

people through “Under the Piano” sessions.

Using his unique improvisational artistry Craig

creates healing songs for individuals to

alleviate anxiety and stress.

The evening will also include readings by

former caregiver Cullene Bryant.

Cullene is a rock-and-roll grandmother, former

caregiver, and author of short fiction.

Presently she is completing a manuscript

about her journey with her late husband who

suffered from frontal temporal dementia.

Newsletter feedback survey

Please take a moment to let us know how

we’re doing:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GRQBXLK

Caregiver network groups

Network groups provide an opportunity to meet other caregivers who are having similar

experiences. You are welcome to join us, whether groups are your thing or not; it may be a

pleasant discovery! Groups meet on the first Thursday of the month, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

or on the second Wednesday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. in room 203,

Capilano Mall, 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver.

On Thursday, September 5, our guest speaker will share how to use aromatherapy for

relaxing, energy boosting, stress relief, and promoting rest. On Wednesday, September 11,

Lorna Anderson will be our guest. Lorna believes in all that caregivers have to offer as people,

and brings her positive outlook and sense of humour to share with us about places of

belonging, and finding what makes you feel alive.

Page 6

Fall is the time that many of us take off on a

holiday. It’s a good time to avoid crowds,

cash in on shoulder-season prices and, in

many places, still enjoy warm weather. If

you are traveling with a friend or family

member who needs care, you may need to

take a few extra factors into consideration

for both yourself and the person you’re

travelling with.

Stow prescription meds in your carry-on

Resist the temptation to repack

medications into more space-efficient

containers. The Government of Canada

website travel.gc.ca advises travellers to

carry medications in the containers they

were dispensed in, since information on the

label can be helpful when you’re clearing

security. Also recommended is packing a

copy of the prescriptions for all medications

and for glasses in case they need to be

replaced while you’re away.

Speak to the airline

Along with medications, you may also need

to bring medical equipment such as a

glucose monitor, syringes or portable

oxygen. A complete list of items allowed on

board is available on the Canadian Air

Transport Security Authority website,

www.catsa.gc.ca.

Always contact the airline in advance so

they are aware of what you will be bringing.

You can also request assistance to board

the plane or transportation to a connecting

flight.

Purchase travel health insurance

When you purchase travel insurance it’s

extremely important to answer the medical

questionnaire accurately. In several recent

cases travellers were left with massive

medical bills after failing to disclose

seemingly insignificant health information.

You might want to ask your physician to

review the forms to confirm that you’ve

included everything.

Reduce jet lag

Get a jump on the time change several days

before you go. This is called “advancing

your body clock.” For example, if you’re

travelling east, get up and go to bed an

hour or two earlier each day.

Once you’ve cleared security, pick up some

fruit and water at the airport. Staying well-

hydrated and eating healthy foods will stave

off the heavy, dull feeling that can

accompany jet lag.

Travel tips for caregivers

by Josie Padro

September| October 2013

Page 7

Cultivate comfort

To reduce exhaustion, you may want to break

up long-distance flights. Waiting for connecting

flights can not only add hours to your journey,

but can also contribute to fatigue. Rather than

camping out at the airport, book a room at a

nearby hotel and take your connecting flight

the following day. Of course, this will add cost

to your trip, but it may pay off if you feel well

rested when you arrive.

If possible, use frequent flyer or credit card

points for an upgrade to business or first class.

This ensures a roomier, more comfortable spot

on the plane and comes with access to airport

lounges where you can wait for your flight in

comfort.

Pack a few items that will help you and your

family member settle in and get comfortable: a

small inflatable pillow for back support, a light

shawl that can double as a blanket, pre-

moistened towelettes to freshen up, eye drops

and lip balm to help reduce the drying effects

of cabin air.

The Family Caregivers’ Grapevine

Healthy Harvest

The days are getting shorter and the

weather’s become a little chilly. It’s time to

break out the cozy sweaters, wooly socks

and heavy coats. It’s also a good time to

think about all the wonderful comfort

food that can also keep us warm—and

healthy.

Local pumpkins, squash and root

vegetables, now available in stores and

farmers’ markets, are perfect in soups and

stews; or cubed, tossed with a little oil and

salt, and baked.

NutritionAction.com, administered by the

Centre for Science in the Public Interest

has included butternut squash on their list

of “10 Best Foods.” They say it’s high in

fiber and vitamins A and C. Leafy greens,

broccoli and sweet potatoes also made it

onto their Top 10.

Visit NutritionAction.com for healthy

recipe ideas and nutrition information.

Bon Voyage!

North Shore Community

Resources Caregiver

Support Program

201, 935 Marine Drive,

North Vancouver, BC

V7P 1S3

The Family Caregivers’

Grapevine is a bi-

monthly publication that

seeks to support family

caregivers by promoting

the importance of self-

care and providing

practical information.

If you have any

questions or feedback

about the newsletter,

please contact Josie

Padro by email at

josie.padro@nscr.bc.ca

or by phone at

604-983-3319.

This summer I was delighted to celebrate the

completion of my masters degree in expressive arts

therapy. The expressive arts invite us to explore our

strengths, ideas and life experiences through our

imagination and the use of various creative

mediums such as poetry, visual arts, movement,

music, and storytelling.

My thesis “A Dance with Hope: Beauty of the

Coming-to-Be” focuses on whether engaging with

the arts fosters a sense of hopefulness. It has been

a life expanding, wondrous and challenging journey.

Thank you for your ongoing interest in my

endeavours.

Congratulations Karyn!

Hope

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune

without the words,

And never stops at all.

—Emily Dickinson