If you’re a caregiver, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Caregiving is a team effort. Family members, friends, volunteers, and the healthcare team work together to help patients throughout their treatment experience.
Below are some suggestions for you as your loved one gets started on treatment, as well as some helpful tips for navigating through this difficult time
After diagnosis
Caring for the person with cancer
The most important part of caregiving is clearly communicating with your loved one. That can be hard when the person you’re caring for is dealing with difficult feelings.
Some tips for open communication
Remember to take care of yourself
Taking time for yourself can help you take better care of your loved one.
Some ways to make time for yourself
CNS
Central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord.
colorectal cancer
Cancer that develops in the colon, which is the longest part of the large intestine and/or the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine before the anus).
complete response
The disappearance of all signs of cancer, such as tumors, in response to treatment. This does not mean the cancer has been cured.
DNA
Molecules within cells that carry genetic information.
gene fusion
A type of gene made by joining parts of 2 different genes. Fusion genes make fusion proteins, which can be the root cause of some kinds of cancer.
long QT syndrome
A condition where the heart beats fast and irregularly. Long QT syndrome might cause a person to faint or have a seizure. In some instances, the heart can beat out of control for so long that it may cause sudden death.
oral
By mouth.
papillary thyroid cancer
The most common type of thyroid cancer.
partial response
The decrease in the size and spread of tumors or extent of cancer in the body in response to a given treatment.
proteins
A molecule that is needed for your body to function properly. Proteins are the basis of body structures, like skin and hair, and other substances in your body.
salivary cancer
A rare cancer found in the tissues of the gland that makes saliva.
sarcoma
A cancer that begins in the bone and soft tissue.
secretory breast cancer
A rare type of breast cancer.
thyroid cancer
Cancer of the thyroid. The thyroid is an organ at the base of the throat. It makes hormones that help control heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight.
NTRK
An NTRK gene fusion tells the body to make abnormal versions of TRK, or tropomyosin receptor kinase, fusion proteins. TRK fusion proteins are a family of several proteins that normally plays an important role in the nervous system. People with NTRK fusion-positive solid tumors have an abnormal version of TRK called a TRK fusion protein.
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