Actively participate in your care and decision making. The most important elements of your relationship with the caregiver are friendship, love and commitment The care giving tasks should enhance the connectedness between you rather than replace it. Participate in pleasant activities together, e.g., eating meals, watching TV, going for a walk, doing a crossword puzzle. Doing these things may be difficult for you as the ill person, but remember this can also be a difficult time for the person who helps you. Most important, remember you're not in this alone, your caregiver is in it with you.
Spirituality is an integral aspect of all human life.
This dimension can give life meaning and purpose and can exist whether or not a person has any formal religious affiliation. It is common for people faced with a diagnosis of cancer to have questions and concerns of a spiritual nature. Hospital chaplains offer spiritual and emotional support. Minnesota Care is available for outpatient services. For information on whether other states have similar programs contact the State Department of Health or your county social services department.