Supporting Our Patients During the Holidays
By MaryAnn Fragola, DNP
The month of December can bring a whirlwind of emotions: joy, sadness, exhaustion, and excitement. The holidays can be busy and hectic for us all; now, imagine our patients who are battling a cancer diagnosis or chronic illness.
While we are busy with our joyous, hectic moments, our patients are adding appointments, treatments, side effects, and worry to the list. While we are planning a celebration, patients may worry about how they will feel or how they will get through the days ahead. Some helpful tips for friends and family members include offering to help with gift shopping and decorating, extending offers to help with transportation to appointments, picking up medications, assisting with meal preparation, or hosting as patients may have difficulty with food aversions or eating as they normally have.
Families and friends of cancer patients often act differently. A patient must be treated as normal as possible. Remember, they have cancer, but cancer does not define them. They are more than a diagnosis; they need to enjoy time with friends and loved ones. Patients can feel frustrated when they are treated differently. Overprotecting or taking their independence away leads to further isolation. Most of the time, when they are battling a cancer diagnosis, it is always on their mind. It is natural for a cancer patient to mourn their previous “normal” life and have anxiety about what lies ahead. Allowing for times of sadness is important as the holiday season is often a time of reflection, and feelings of anger, sadness, and worry are normal. Sharing these feelings may help; allowing honest emotions and acknowledging change can allow patients to move past this. Remember, it is ok to laugh, and it is ok to cry!
Let us support our patients by listening to what is important to them, sharing memories, and making them feel important, not only because of their diagnosis but because they mean something more.
Take time this holiday season to enjoy the moments that matter, the little things, and the magic of the season. Connect with loved ones and celebrate the wonderful things that matter most to you!
Wishing blessings to all for a healthy and joyous holiday season!