The Cancer Caregivers

Assalamualaikum and salam,

All this while I’ve been talking about me and other cancer survivors dancing with cancer and living with it. I’ve only touched a little on other people who are also affected by it; for instance the family and friends who are constantly bracing themselves for the high possibility of the inevitable (recurrence or even death). These people are also greatly affected by cancer. I have always admired the resilience and patience possessed by the caregivers, particularly women for being there and being alert for the chronic cancer patients around the clock. I am sure it’s no easy task taking care of cancer patients especially those who are bedridden and need assistance in doing even such simple tasks like eating. Usually, people who are hit hard by cancer to the point of being helpless are frustrated for not being able to do the things that they are so used to everyday almost without batting an eyelid. They often get cranky, short tempered and agitated and taking care of them can be a real battle. This can really drive the caregivers up the wall. A lot of time the caregivers just give and walk away.

When you are hit with diseases such as cancer which takes months of treatments and healing, your spouses are also greatly affected. We hear a lot of cases where cancer really put a strain on relationships and this is a trying time for many couples. This is because most cancer patients especially oral cancer are not the same anymore. They are not as sociable as before and many suffer from inferiority complex and they just shy away from public. The talkative ones become quiet for fear of being embarassed when they are stared at everytime they speak or eat in public. Many spouses would just crumble and start to look for new partners who are able to fill the gap. The lucky cancer sufferers like the late Trev and Paul from the Mouth Cancer Foundation, Robert Pemberton, and Ron are blessed with their wives taking care of them patiently, lovingly and tirelessly. These caregivers would fight cancer like hell along with their husbands. They have my utmost respect for being the unsung heroes. I can’t imagine all those nightmares, the constant fear of losing their husbands, the uncertainties and the suspense that they are going through. I wonder where they got their strength. And yet, they are there no matter what….

Cheers, to the caregivers! You are great...

Bye, for now.

Sharifah

"Never stop fighting"