Your Support Team

Communicating with your healthcare team.

The members of your healthcare team are there to help. They can offer both practical and emotional support. They can also tell you about other support services that are available in your area. Don't be afraid to tell them about your feelings.

Counselling services

There are many kinds of professionals that can help you cope with your feelings. Depending on your preferences and needs, you may want to talk with a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, sex therapist, or member of the clergy. Many cancer centers have specialists — psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers — trained to assist patients with cancer. Ask a member of your healthcare team for a recommendation.

Family and friends

Family and friends know you in ways that a professional cannot. They can be very supportive. However, sometimes they don't know how. They may be afraid to say or do the wrong thing. Remember that the world of cancer is new for them too. Talk to them openly about your illness, your treatment, your needs and your feelings. They may be able to support you better when they know more about what you are experiencing. You may also find it helpful to involve them in your care by going to appointments with you.

Sometimes family and friends need emotional support. It is best to prepare yourself for this because providing support to others can drain you of the energy you need to get well. Know your limits and communicate this to others when their needs are too much. It is okay to think of yourself first.

Support groups

It can be very helpful to talk and listen to others who are going through the same experience. There is a wide range of support groups available. They can be one-on-one sessions or groups of people meeting in person, on the phone or online. Try more than one option to see what suits you best. Many find that sharing thoughts and feelings with group members is easier than sharing with those close to them or their doctor.

Ask your healthcare team for support groups in your area or ask at the hospital's patient resource centre. The Canadian Cancer Society is also an excellent source of information about support services.

Yourself

Sometimes the support you need can come from within. Look after yourself. Find relaxing, enjoyable activities that refresh you mentally, spiritually or physically. You know best what you need. Don't be afraid to ask for it.

Taking care of yourself is important, and when you have more information, you'll have less to worry about. Find out more about the financial aspects of chemotherapy.