Lukemia diagnosis can be devastating, not just for the person going through it but also for their loved ones. As a partner, you play a vital role in providing support during this worrying time, and understanding how to be there for your loved one emotionally, physically, and mentally can make a massive difference in their journey. It won’t be easy, but together you can help each other. Read on to find out more.
Educate Yourself
Before you can truly be there for your partner and support them through their leukemia diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, you’ll need to know as much about this disease as possible. You’ll then be able to confidently discuss treatment options, and you’ll understand the various different types of leukemia that exist and which one your partner has (as well as what that means in terms of prognosis and treatment).
Knowledge is power, and learning about leukemia will help you better understand what your partner is experiencing. Take the time to research and talk to medical professionals to gain insights into the disease, potential side effects of treatment, and any available support you both might be able to get.
Read also: COPING WITH A LOVED ONE BEING DIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Be A Good Listener
During leukemia treatment, your partner will most likely experience a range of emotions, from fear and sadness to frustration and anger. It’s crucial to provide them with a safe space to express their feelings. They might say things you find upsetting, but they will need somewhere to vent from time to time, and if you can listen to what they have to say, it will help them immensely.
This is why you need to be a compassionate listener, allowing them to vent, cry, or share their worries without judgment. Show empathy when they talk to you and make sure they know you are there for them, no matter what.
Provide Practical Support
Leukemia treatment can be physically draining, making it essential for you to offer practical support as well as being there emotionally. Take care of household chores, run errands, and provide transportation to medical appointments at expert centers like the Moffitt Cancer Center.
You can also prepare healthy meals for them, ensuring they receive proper nutrition. This is particularly important as they might be feeling weak from their treatment and not want to cook, but not eating will make them feel worse (and it could even harm their recovery).
Get Support For You
Supporting a partner with leukemia can be emotionally taxing for you as well. You’ll have your own fears and worries, and you might not want to ‘burden’ your partner with them when they are already going through so much. This can mean that you are taking on more than you really can, and this can lead you to develop mental health issues like depression and stress, as well as physical problems like heart disease and high blood pressure.
This is why you need to get help and support for yourself as well, whether it’s through friends, family, or support groups. Talking to others who have gone through similar experiences can provide crucial insights and a sense of community that will help you feel better, and that will mean you can look after your partner better too.
