What it means to take care of yourself, from one caregiver to another

                                     By Cancerwise Blogger on June 18, 2012 

By Genie Alice Causey

Nate Causey of Tupelo, Miss., was treated for TMJ and tension headaches before doctors found the real cause. At age 34, he was diagnosed with a central neurocytoma on May 7, 2010. Unexpected and rare complications left him with several disabilities, but with hard work and determination, Nate is beating the odds every day.

His wife, Genie Alice, wants to share her experiences as a caregiver to encourage others no matter where they are in the process of fighting cancer.

Caregivers --despite our differences --it seems there's one thing we all have in common: guilt.

Well-meaning friends, doctors and strangers always tell us the same things, "Take care of yourself."

It sounds like a great idea, right? But it's not always practical or realistic.

We feel guilty. Everyone tells us that doing these things will make us better caregivers. But whenever we take time for ourselves, we feel guilty that we aren't doing something else.

Early on in my caregiving journey lots of people told me how important it was for me to take a night off and go spend time with my friends. The problem was, when I actually did that I was so consumed with guilt and worry that it made my stress levels worse.

As a fellow caregiver, I want to share some simple, real ways that helped me learn what it means to "take care of myself." I'm no expert, but I've been there, and this is what has worked for me.

• Do what works for you. If taking a break to go meet friends makes you feel guilty or makes you worry yourself sick, then don't do it. I know everyone will tell you this is something you need to do. But if it makes you feel worse, then it's not worth it.

I'm to the point now that I can go out to dinner or stop to get a pedicure every now and then and can actually relax and enjoy it. However, I can't go somewhere overnight. I would worry so much about my husband that I couldn't enjoy myself.

Figure out what you feel comfortable with and do that. If it's only a five minute walk down your street, that's OK. It's not about what you are "supposed" to do. It's about what works for you.

• Don't neglect your friendships. This one is difficult, and I got lucky in this department. I have a small group of girlfriends that have been my rock. They've stuck by me through the times when I've been at my worst.

Don't have time for dinner? Take five minutes or less to check in every now and then.

• Keep yourself well. I've learned the hard way. If you let something go too long because you're too busy, it might knock you out of commission for weeks. At the first sign of an illness, I immediately call my doctor.

• Make a list. Some days, caregiving can feel so overwhelming that you feel like the weight of it is going to crush you. Every night before bed, I write a list of everything I need to get done. Then, I select the most important one. Getting everything out of my head and onto paper helps me sleep. By choosing just one thing that absolutely must be accomplished the next day, I can focus on what's most important and not be overwhelmed.

• Prioritize. Not on your to-do list, but in life. Then every decision you make will be much easier. When it's time to make a decision, instead of freaking out about it, I try to think about it in terms of top priority. Then, the answer usually becomes  clear.

• Trust your medical team. When you are responsible for decision-making, it is so important to trust your doctors and medical team. I trust my husband's neurosurgeon, Jeffrey Weinberg, M.D., completely. If there's ever been a question of what to do, I always go with his opinion. I know he is brilliant and caring. Knowing we're in good hands gives me peace.

• Use the Internet cautiously. The Internet is wonderful. You can find awesome research studies on treatments and technology, as well as blogs and chat rooms about almost anything. I do an Internet search for anything we ever consider for my husband's treatment.

However, the Internet can't examine your loved one. It didn't go to medical school, and it can't talk to you. Use it to find information and educate yourself, but you ultimately need to rely on the experts.

• Learn all you can about your loved one's diagnosis. I ask a lot of questions, and the doctors always answer and are very patient with me. But when they answer, listen. Write down what they say. Keep a notebook with you all the time. You won't remember later, and they will appreciate you valuing their time by not asking the same questions multiple times.

• Let go of regret. After you've made a decision, don't look back. When I start to second-guess myself, I just say: "I made the best decision I could with the information I had." Then move on. There is absolutely nothing you can do about it now. Focus on the present -- not what might have been different.

• Do the best you can. On the days when I am just trying to keep my head above water and I feel like panicking, I've learned to say to myself, "You are doing the best you can." I know it's not the most inspirational or powerful thing, but it calms me. If you are trying your hardest and doing everything you can, then what more can you ask for?

You are strong in spite of your weaknesses, and you can do this. You can keep going. You can learn from what you are going through and be a better person for it tomorrow.

Read more posts by Genie Alice Causey