Feeling helpless is common. Unsure
of what to do for the best can be challenging. Here are some helpful practical ways to care for your partner, through their recovery journey.
Taking care of your loved one
IDEAS
Tips
Active listening is a great way to show your support and care
Give your loved one space so they have time to think and deal with their emotional up's and downs.
Give them time to make decisions
·
Buy them a new outfit, to help them feel good about themselves
Make them breakfast in bed
Clean the house for them
·
Ideas
SOCIALISING
You should not feel guilty about feeling tired or taking time out for yourself. Caring for someone with cancer is a tough job, but, caring
can become very tiring it is really important to remember to take
care of yourself. You may try to
push through and carry on, but
this will only leave you exhausted
in the long run. Here’s Halo of Help’s tips on looking after yourself.
Taking care of yourself
HOBBIES
Socialising
Risks and side effects?
Post-surgery can be an overwhelming time, as you come to terms with what you have been through. Here are some post-surgery signs and symptoms that your loved one may experience, that you may want to be aware of.
Go to dinner with a friend
Grab a coffee with a mate
RISKS
Goal
Do some DIY
Go to the gym
Hobbies
Watch your favourite film
Listen to your favourite playlist
Play some sport
Post-surgery
Post-surgery can be an overwhelming time, as you come to terms with what you have been through. Here are some
post-surgery signs and symptoms that your loved one may experience, that you may want to be aware of
Symptoms
Pain and discomfort
Bruising and swelling
Seroma (build-up of fluid)
Restriction of movement Haematoma (blood collects in tissue surrounding wound)
Stiff shoulder
discolouration
numbness or coldness
Loss of reduced sensation
weakness in arm
sensitive to touch/put pressure on
burning or tingling feeling
pins and needles
shooting pains
Nausea
Risks and side-effects
Surgery comes with great risks,
caring correctly for your loved
one is essential in making sure
all risks of infection are reduced,
along with any further complications. Here are risks to be aware of, and ways they can be reduced.
Risks
Infection
Anaemia
Bruising and bleeding
Sickness
Mouth and dental problems
Changes in skin and nails
Blot clots
Regularly wash your hands
Cleaning any cuts and grazes
and dressing them.
Avoid anyone who is unwell or infectious
Eating as healthy as possible
Drinking plenty of fluids
Cooking and storing food
correctly is important
Reducing risks