Accepting help
Submitted by Jean on Thu, 13/03/2008 - 17:01.
TIP4 - from Alison
"Take up offers of cooked meals from relatives, especially if you have a family and partner who works, this will give you more quality time at home for the first couple of weeks after surgery."
Jean's answer:
Another great idea from Alison. Tiredness (fatigue) is a common problem following surgery and other cancer treatments. Family and friends can assist with all sorts of everyday things and are often glad of the opportunity to help. Cancerbackup have more hints about managing day-to-day activities at home when you are feeling very tired or fatigued. You can read more about this in our booklet “Coping with Fatigue” which you can also find on the fatigue pages of our information website.
This is a blog family and friends could usefully look at
There are numerous ways that friends have helped me: I always try not to ask for too much from any one person as I know they have their own lives to lead, and almost everyone has difficult jobs, children, commitments. One of the nicest things I have had is my friend Sophie regularly taking me to the supermarket. We don't have a car at home and it is a lot for my partner to carry everything, and it also means that I can pay as benefits are no longer paid in cash I can hand over to him. It is also fun to be there with my friend, and we always have a laugh. She is also very good at imagining what limitations I now have and helps me with heavy bags - we'll take a handle each, me on my good side, when unloading the car. xxx Penny