Provide guidance about any financial problems that arise. Offer help with decisions about changes in family routines, such as child care if a parent is hospitalized and management of family finances. Talk with your doctor, nurse, or social worker if you are having marital problems that are interfering with your ability to cope. Marital problems may be temporary, or they may have existed for a long time. If your spouse is reluctant to get help, go alone and ask a counselor for suggestions to help you improve your relationship.
Hospitals often provide cancer counselors to help with problems related to illness.
Sometimes hospital counselors are unable to help with marital problems because of inadequate staffing or because they lack specific training in that area. In this situation, consider a private counselor or a community agency. If you are interested in a private counselor, ask for a referral from a professional at the hospital where you are being treated. Examples of community agencies that provide marital counseling are Family Service of America, Jewish Family Service, and Catholic Social Service. Sometimes marital problems are temporary and will gradually improve without professional help.