Caregiver Companion-A Guide for the Family Caregiver of Cancer Patients

The holiday season can be difficult to navigate under the best of circumstances. But trying to manage through the holidays while caring for a loved one is particularly difficult. The added stresses of shopping, cooking, baking, holiday meals, parties, all build on top of an already anxiety ridden situation. But there are ways to manage the holidays. Today we talk with a licensed family therapist w...

We have covered many different topics in family caregiving over the course of our episodes. These issues are universal to all caregivers across age, gender, and cultures. But within each of the topics discussed, there can be cultural nuances that create a particular perspective that impacts the caregiver. And, there may be cultural factors that create unique and particular nuances in caregiving.  ...

Palliative care is a compassionate approach to healthcare that focuses on enhancing the quality of life for patients facing serious illness, at any stage of treatment. It aims to provide relief from symptoms, pain, and stress, while adressing the emotional, social and spiritual needs of both patients and their caregivers. Unlike curative treatments, which seek to eliminate disease, palliative care...

It is often said we cannot control the twists and turns life brings us, but we can control how we react to them. Today, John and Fran speak with someone who has experienced cancer, both as a patient and as a caregiver. Michael had been caring for his wife with chronic illness for years when he received his own cancer diagnosis.  Today, thankfully, Michael is in remission and serves as a mentor to...

All relationships will face challenges over the course of time. Whether its money, jobs, kids, in-laws, couples will face diffuculties. Learning how to navigate through those difficulies is the key to success. Now layer upon that the uncertainty and challenges when one of the partners is faced with a cancer diagnosis. That can be like a magnifier upon the "normal" issues all couples deal with.  To...

As a parent, we are instinctively in the role of caregiver for our children. When our child is faced with a life threatening illness, our caregiving goes into hyperdrive. In this episode, John and Fran talk with Kristen Escalante, whose 12 year old was diagnosed with an rare form of cancer. Kristen shared with us how she used social media and her network of friends and colleagues to help navigate...

In this episode, John and Fran start the conversation discussing the news  that the Princess of Wales announced she is being treated for cancer. In announcing this news, she explained that the 'silence'  following her hospitalization was necessary so she and her husband could figure out how to explain this to their young children. That thoughtful consideration is necessary, when we talk about the...

In this episode, John and Fran talk about the elements and strategies for communicating with the medical team. As a caregiver, you are a vital part of the medical team and have valuable information to give to them. You are also the eyes and ears for your loved one. In many cases they may be able to proces or even hear what is being spoken at a doctors appointment.  Be prepared before you go to the...

In this episode, we talk about the importance  and necessity of good  communication. There are multiples points  of communication for the caregiver; with the doctors and medical systems, with family and friends, possibly other  community members, and most of all- with your loved one.  Today, John and Fran dive into the deep end of the pool and get right  to what can be the most challenging communi...

Food can be a powerful force. Not only does it fuel our bodies, and provide essential elements for our well being- how we approach it, how we consume it, how we think about it can have emotional and psychological dimensions. As a caregiver, it is particularly important to think about what you're eating, how you're eating in the context of self-care. But also for your loved one. The good news is th...

In this Episode, John and Fran explore music therapy as  not only a form of self-care for caregivers, but as a therapy for your patient. We speak with a professor of Music Therapy and a Certified Music Therapst who helps chronically ill patients better cope with the physical and emotional toll a life threatrening illness can have on a person, and their caregiver. We all know, almost intuitively  t...

When we take on the role of family caregiver, we become part of and and extension of the medical team. Actually, we are a vital part of the medical team. We spend the most time with the patient, under all kinds of circumstances. Today, Fran and John talk with Emily Davis, RN, Oncology Certified Nurse, Oncology Navigator and famiy caregiver. We talk about how the professional caregivers view the ro...

In this episode, Fran and John talk about the emotional and physical toll caregiving can generate. Fran explains the physiological and emotional strain of caregiving, and John relates his experiences as a caregiver, and what he did to cope.  Self Care is a vital element for a successful caregiver. It is necessary and not a selfish act to find moments to take breath and recharge.

Fran and John discuss the sub-speciality known as psycho-oncology. Cancer is overwhelming-no question about it.  It can take over every aspect of  your life, both as patient and as caregiver. In today's episode, Fran explains how the biological and physiological elements of the disease,  and its treatments, can impact a person's emotional and psychological state. As caregivers, its important that...

As a caregiver, we are entrusted with the well-being and care for our loved one. It on our minds all day every day. We have talked, in the prior episodes, about how this role is one of the most important in our lives, and yet, one for which we are the least prepared. Many of us rarely think about is what to do in the event of an emergency such as fire, earthquake, flood, hurricane or other natural...

You and your loved one received the diagnosis. now the journey begins.  a flood of thoughts come into your mind all at once.  1000 questions you never considered enter your head. It's overwhelming and scary cause you don't know what you don't know. You will get through it….breathe….   Let's talk about what happens next… Once you hear the diagnosis and have digested the news, as unreal as it feels,...

Welcome to Caregiver Companion, a guide for the family caregiver of cancer patients. My name is John Razzano. I became the caregiver for my wife, Mary, when she was diagnosed with a rare cancer in 2014. I'd like to introduce my friend and colleague Fran Baumgarten, clinical psychologist, caregiver and cancer survivor. We are part of a team that created a support group for family caregivers to prov...