Cancer affects family and friends, not just the person with the disease. The people in your life may also feel worried, angry, or afraid. Family members may be very supportive, or they may start acting differently towards you. Some may feel guilty or helpless, not knowing how to help.

Adjusting to the new situation

When you find out you have cancer, daily routines may change for everyone. Someone in your family may need to schedule time off from work to drive you to treatments. Or, perhaps you need help with paying bills or with chores and errands.

When someone has cancer, everyone in the family has to take on new roles and responsibilities It can be hard for some to adjust to these changes.

Most people find it stressful to keep up with money matters. Cancer can reduce the amount of money your family has to spend or save. If you’re not able to work, someone else in your family may need to get a job. You and your family may need to learn more about health insurance and find out what will be covered and what you need to pay for.

Living Arrangements

People with cancer sometimes need to change where they live or whom they live with. You may need to move in with someone else to get the care you need. Or, you may need to travel far from home for treatment. This can be stressful because you may feel that you’re losing your independence, even if it’s just for a little while.

Show Gratitude for Your Caregivers

Cancer and its treatment are hard on everyone, especially the people who take care of you. Your caregivers will also need time to sort through their feelings about cancer. Show your gratitude by letting them know that you want them to have a break, and that it’s okay for other people to take care of you sometimes.

It’s normal to feel unprepared for what a cancer diagnosis brings to your life. Thinking through these issues may help you know the steps you need to take.