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Holiday Meals for Cancer Caregivers and Their Loved Ones

Looking forward to those holiday treats? I thought so! Many of us are! It’s fine to indulge in some special treats over the holidays, but caregivers beware! Let’s think about the consequences for just a minute. I don’t want to spoil the party, but if we overdo the treats there may be a price to pay.

First let’s consider your loved one with cancer. Are they on a special diet from the Doctor or a nutritionist? Usually, diet is an important consideration. As we celebrate the holidays, we often throw our usual eating habits out the window until after New Years. This usually means we aren’t eating as healthy as usual. We are busy. Friends give gifts of food. We eat away from home. We may have guests at home. We don’t feel we have time to cook as usual. How will your loved one feel if he or she isn’t eating right? Be sure to offer some healthy choices for your loved one. Some of the very rich holiday foods may disagree with your loved one. Many foods aren’t appealing to those undergoing treatments or who are very ill. He or she probably doesn’t feel the best anyway without adding to that with poor food options. If you can offer a few things you know your loved one likes and can tolerate, this would be a great time to ensure they are available.

What about you, the caregiver? Sure, you want to have some treats, and why shouldn’t you? Just remember to mix in plenty of healthy foods too and not overdo the not so healthy options. First of all, your loved one probably feels they are missing out on a lot already, right? Most of all, try to keep your treats under control because overdoing them will also have an impact on how YOU feel and your energy level. Yes, overdoing certain treats, such as sugar, can make you very tired and trigger other health issues, if you are susceptible to them.

When we think of treats, we often think of the unhealthy things we eat. Actually, there are many things that are good for you and your loved one that you might consider a treat because you don’t have them very often. How about some Shrimp Cocktail? There’s nothing like fresh Strawberries or fresh Pineapple. Get the idea?

You have a lot going on in your life and you probably don’t want to do anything negative to impact your health at a time like this, right? So, go ahead, enjoy some treats–you know you have to have one or maybe even two of Grandma’s Sugar Cookies! Just don’t eat the entire plateful, so both you and your loved one can enjoy the holidays. Cheers!

Putting the “Care” in Caregiving

Good morning to all who care for their loved ones with cancer! As you take care of your loved one, it is so easy to become mechanical in some of the tasks you have to do. When the stress, strain and emotions of giving care starts to wear you down, you may need to step back and focus on what you really are there for as a cancer caregiver. You are there to give care. Giving care can come in many forms: physical care, cooking, cleaning, laundry, transporting to and from appointments, and performing many additional tasks. But giving care is caregiving! Anyone could provide many of those services you do. But WHY do you do them? It’s because you CARE! And you care in a big way. That’s the difference between a loved one providing care to their loved one with cancer and a stranger providing that care. Loved ones put the “Care” in Caregiving. As you do some of those not so pleasant tasks, remember why you are doing them. You do them because you truly care! You perform those sometimes unpleasant tasks out of love. Thank you for putting the “Care” in Caregiving!

Holiday Priorities

Are you meeting yourself coming and going? This is a very busy time of year for everyone. If you are a caregiver to a loved one with cancer, your life is always busy, even outside the holidays. Take a few moments to assess what you are spending your time on. Don’t try to be Superman or Superwoman. Pick and choose wisely. You need your rest, so you don’t get sick. You don’t want to stress your loved one over the holidays. Be realistic in your expectations of yourself. Focus on what’s important. Get some help, if necessary. Take a deep breath! Try to find some time to relax and enjoy the spirit of the holiday season–for you and for your loved one!