SUPPORTER & CAREGIVER STORIES & TIPS Contributed By Our Readers From: Deb Pam...your story really touched me! You obviously are a true supporter of your friend. That is what it's all about...being there for your friend who is going through a tough time. You truly demonstrate the importance of being a good supporter. Thanks so much for sharing your story. From: Pam Hi, I'm Pam, help/friend/co-recoverer, with a friend suffering from Hepatitis C after being clean and sober for more than 11 years. It's ironic, critical, and devastating at this point in her life to be struck with this disease, BUT, as someone else in recovery (enabling, this time) I will say this... There's nobody I'd rather be called upon to help than somebody who could give the rest of us lessons (and DOES) in caring. God bless those whom God has chosen to teach the rest of us "How it should be done, if..." She's a wonderful human being, one I feel fortunate to know, one I'll do everything I can to support through wherever this ends, always... With the believe that it's the journey itself that matters. Not the destination. And who makes it with us; not those who walked away. Do they matter? Not any more, but they used to. Now it's "Those who came and stayed". WE are what matters now. "Us". Not it. Thank you, God, for the finest example of immortality a human being can learn from another: We'll always have "Us". No Matter What. And that's what we carry with us, then, now, always. Together. And it's always bearable because. Does it matter, what, how, when, where? Not really, we have what really matters. "Who". Forever. Go with God. love, Pam From: Jeff In retrospect, it was a gorgeous day. It was the kind of morning that artists, musicians and poets have almost been able to depict for centuries. In fact, I was annoyed at the Disneylike beauty of it all; the chirping birds, the slightest honeysuckle scent around the window and all that golden sunshine pouring into our average little kitchen, making even the beat-up old sink look kind of pretty. I tried not to let on that I didn't like it a bit. Karen and I had switched roles in our morning dynamics, which is why I almost felt obliged to be annoyed. She was now the cheerful one. After the doctor's diagnosis, dire projections, surgery and recovery she marched into chemotherapy with the positive attitude of a seasoned fighter sizing up a chump. As we drove down the Ninth street hill that morning, I noticed golden slivers of light floating around the cab of the truck. She was sporting her new short haircut and chattering delightfully about our plans for the evening. Friday night is always "official date night" and we were looking forward to pizza and a movie. As we picked up speed, the breeze caused more and more hair to circulate around inside the truck. She never mentioned it but I saw a tear in the corner of her eye. I dropped her off at work, went to Static Hair Salon and asked Roxanne to cut my hair as short as she could. I then bought some cheap razors and shaving cream and spent the next half hour shaving my head. Karen seemed pretty pleased after work and asked me to shave her head too. Things were a little pale up there, but a liberal (and consistant) application of sunscreen, hats and a wig saw us through the next few months of chemo and radiation. She's three years out now with a full head of golden hair and still holding up her end as the perky one. I'm not so much of a grouch anymore, but from time to time I like to appear as one. I get the idea that she thinks it's cute. Good luck to you all. From: Jackie From: Jackie I really like it that you have a page on your website specifically for supporters. As a friend of a woman who is currently in cancer treatment, I have some tips to add. I feel it is very important to be there for the family members, as well. For instance, the spouse has the less visible challenge…but needs to be supported, too. Offer to meet them for lunch or drinks and acknowledge how challenging it is for them. Even if they dismiss that idea, they will be reassured that you are there for them. Her kids also need special attention…no matter what their age. Making regular contact with family members is very important. Pages >> |1|