GUEST POST: My Caregiving Story

The following guest blog was submitted by Cameron. If you'd like to have a guest post please refer to the following link 'Be A Guest Blogger' and e-mail me at LungCancerFundraiser@gmail.com.

On November 21, 2005, just three months after my wife and I became parents for the first time, our family was forever changed again. That was the day my wife, Heather, was diagnosed with a deadly form of cancer called malignant pleural mesothelioma. This was also the day I took on the role of caregiver: a role I readily accepted but was in no way prepared to assume.  

Following Heather's diagnosis, a time when we should have been focusing on our daughter's first Christmas, our lives were thrown into turmoil. We were immediately faced with various decisions regarding treatment. Heather's doctor walked us through several options as to where she would receive treatments. After much consideration, we decided on a hospital in Boston, which, according to Heather's doctor, employed one of the best mesothelioma specialists in the United States.

We began making plans to get Heather to Boston. She had to quit her full-time job while I made arrangements to reduce my hours at work. As for our daughter, Lily, family members and close friends came to the rescue. Between our loving family and friends, we were in no short supply of trusted, loving care for our baby girl. For the help provided by loved ones during this time, Heather, Lily and I will be eternally grateful.

During this time, I tried my hardest to stay strong for my family. But try as I might, I couldn't help but break down every now and then. I'd obsess over my wife's illness and how we were going to get through it. My mind would play out the worst possible scenarios. I'd imagine my life without Heather; I wondered how Lily and I would make it without her if treatment didn't work. Coupled with exhaustion, my stress nearly sent me over the edge. As solid as I seemed to be on the outside, my insides were awash with fear, anxiety and utter desperation.

Being a caregiver isn't easy. In addition to the chaos of appointments, work and daily obligations, the mental challenges seem impossible to overcome. In our case, we were blessed with the support of friends and family, without whom I doubt we'd have made it through this. If there is one piece of advice I can give to other caregivers, it's to ask for and accept help. In the uncertain world of cancer, the smallest offering of support, be it financial, emotional or physical, can provide a tremendous amount of relief. Don’t be too proud to accept it.

Now, over seven years later, Heather is 100 percent cancer-free. She underwent months of grueling mesothelioma treatment, and I witnessed firsthand how incredibly strong and brave my wife is. Through all the treatments and all the worry, we made it through to the other side. Together, and with lots of help from loved ones, we survived and are better and stronger than ever. Although I wouldn't want to relive the experience, I'm grateful for all that I learned from my wife's illness. Most importantly, I learned that time and family are precious, as are faith and hope: faith in ourselves and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

To learn more about Cameron & his family, please go to:
http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/cameron/








The following guest blog was submitted by Cameron. If you'd like to have a guest post please refer to the following link 'Be A Guest Blogger' and e-mail me at LungCancerFundraiser@gmail.com.