3 Factors in Covering the Costs of Terminal Cancer

By Scott Sanders, cancerwell.org

It’s hard to be there as a loved one reaches the end of their life, but it’s much harder when that end comes with a painful cancer diagnosis. Cancer doesn’t discriminate — old, young, man, woman— cancer impacts nearly 40 percent of people in the United States.

A terminal cancer diagnosisis one of the hardest things to hear. While cancer in and of itself is scary, terminal — an illness that can’t be cured and will ultimately lead to death — will take a lot of time to process and accept. There is no “right” way to respond to this kind of diagnosis. Some people continue to seek a cure, while others begin arranging their affairs. Either way, there are a lot of factors to consider and steps to take — and the cost of care is one of the most stressful to deal with. This guide hopes to help ease that burden by offering some important suggestions on how to prepare and predict the costs associated with a terminal cancer diagnosis.

Physical Health

Even with a terminal diagnosis, there are still some treatments many people diagnosed with terminal cancer still need or want. These treatments can help you stay comfortable in your final months or years through palliative care, which eases aches and pains. Some life-extending treatmentscan give you more quality time with your loved ones. You can even choose to help science make advances toward a cure by participating in clinical trials.

Fortunately, Humana Medicare Advantage plans offer supplemental coverage for people with terminal cancer, from radiation to medications to dental work needed because of cancer treatment. This benefit allows you to focus on what’s important during end-of-life care, which is essential in maintaining comfortand independence during this difficult time.

Mental Health

 A terminal diagnosis can weigh heavily on the heart and mind. It’s not uncommon for people with terminal cancer to develop depression or anxiety — two conditions that can have a negative effect on your remaining time. Many people feel anxious about money, making sure family is cared for after they leave, and getting their affairs in order in time. Others develop depression and deep despair when confronted with their mortality. They focus on regrets and what-ifs instead of making the most of the time they have left.

It’s natural to feel a surge of grief when your doctor gives a terminal diagnosis. However, when that initial sorrow doesn’t subside or gets worse, it’s time to talk to a mental health professional. There’s no reason not to — 42 percent of people in the United States have participated in behavioral health counseling at least once in their lives. A therapist or counselor can give you some amazing tips and techniques for positive coping.

Final Arrangements

It’s never an easy conversation to have, and under the shadow of a terminal diagnosis, it may be even harder. However, talking about your final arrangements with friends and family ahead of time can ease the burden on yourself and your loved ones. You’ll have a stronger peace of mind knowing that you’ll be remembered and celebrated in a way you want. Your family will have less decisions to guess because they’ll know your wishes and preferences. 

Talk to a funeral home and get information about burial versus cremation, prices on caskets, and the difference between a visitation and a funeral. Talk to loved ones about music, readings, flowers, and people you want at a celebration of your life. You can even pre-pay for your final arrangements to make the process even more stress-free for your family.

Getting a terminal diagnosis can be extremely distressing, but after the emotional shockwaves slow down, just remember to be kind and compassionate to yourself. Whether you have years, months, or weeks left, just focus on enjoying the things in life you love the most.

For additional information, contact: info@cancerwell.org

6 Compassionate Ways to Support a Loved One During Cancer Treatment

Authored by Scott Sanders <info@cancerwell.org>

Nearly 39% of Americans will deal with a cancer diagnosis at some point during their life. It’s a common condition that impacts millions of people each year but if you have a loved one who is being treated for cancer, they may be feeling alone. Chemotherapy and other forms of cancer treatment are painful, uncomfortable and exhausting, so it helps to have someone around to offer comfort and support. If you want to help a loved one in their battle against cancer, here are six ways to start. 

Help Them Organize Their Home

Going through treatment can make your loved one feel chaotic so it helps to have a calm, organized space to come home to. Spend a day or two helping them declutter and arrange their home for easy access and convenience. If your friend or family member is in chemo, regular cleaning is crucial to prevent infections and complications. It’s best for chemo patients to not take on the cleaning themselves, so if you have the time tackle these sanitation tasks for them. If you can’t manage alone, ask friends or family members for help or consider hiring a professional cleaning service.

Get Out, or Stay In, to Have Some Fun

There will be days when they are just too tired to get out and that’s okay. But it’s still important for you to help them find ways to feel happy. Go for a quiet walk through your favorite park or along the beach. If they don’t feel up to activity, try something more subdued like a movie night at home featuring your favorite comedies. Laughing can be very therapeutic, so find ways to help them smile while going through this tough time.

Prepare or Order Some Healthy, Soothing Meals

Your loved one may not be up for cooking but it’s essential that they nourish their bodies while going through treatment. Help them out with some meal prep on weekends and prepare foods that are easy to eat and easy on the body. Chemotherapy can cause nausea and painful mouth sores, so think about pulling together lighter fare, such as chicken soup or soothing ginger popsicles. Keeping healthy foods available will help them keep their energy up through taxing treatments.

Find Ways to Encourage Rest and Self-Care

Rest and calm are vital to healing so help your loved one create a quiet space in their home for rest and relaxation. Work together to choose a cozy, comfortable space and add elements that will provide a much needed distraction from stress. Maybe pick up some detoxifying plants and some soothing essential oils or candles.  Encourage mindful meditation and stress-relieving activities for your time together. If they feel up to it, you could book a day at the spa to unwind or even celebrate chemo victories.

Open Up Your Heart and Listen

Cancer is a heavy topic and those going through treatment often need a firm shoulder to cry on. Let your loved one open up to you as much as they like, even if it means talking about uncomfortable topics, like death. You don’t have to know what to say, and in fact, you don’t need to say anything at all during these times. Just listen with an open heart. If you start to feel down or overwhelmed, but you still want to stick around, seek out ways to decompress or think about talking to someone who can help you out.

Be There Through the Ups and Downs

Battling cancer can be a roller coaster of experiences and emotions and it helps to have someone there for the ride. Know that your loved one may experience days of joy mixed with days of pain. Calm and comfort them throughout their journey. Just being by their side is a true testament to your love and compassion. Take time to take care of yourself as well, however, so you can stay strong through their battles and your own. 

Cancer treatment is tough but caring, compassionate friends can make all the difference to a cancer patient. Your gifts of help and hope will provide respite and comfort when needed most.