Being Grateful for Caregivers

When you're going through cancer treatment, there's usually someone by your side. Maybe it's your spouse who drives you to appointments, your sister who brings you meals, or your friend who sits with you during chemo. These are your caregivers, and this November is the perfect time to recognize everything they do for you.

Your caregiver probably does more than you even realize. They're the ones making sure you take the right pills at the right time. They're coordinating with your doctors and nurses, keeping track of appointments, and asking questions when you're too tired to think clearly. They're doing the grocery shopping, the cooking, the cleaning, and all the other daily tasks that somehow became too much to handle on your own. They're driving you to treatment, sitting in waiting rooms, and staying up with you when side effects keep you awake at night.

But it goes beyond the practical stuff. Your caregiver is there for the challenging moments. When you’ve received a diagnosis, the world seems to stop. When you're scared, frustrated, or just need someone to understand, they listen to your worries, celebrate your good days, and remind you that you're not alone in this fight. They see you at your most vulnerable and love you anyway.

Even the best caregivers get tired; they might not say it because they don't want to burden you, but carrying all of this takes a toll. They're managing their own emotions while trying to stay strong for you. They're putting their own needs on hold, sometimes for months or even years. 

That's why saying thank you matters so much. You don't need to make a big gesture or spend money; it can mean a lot just to tell them what their help means to you. If you have the energy, there are other ways to show appreciation, too. Let them know it's okay to take a break and do something for themselves. Encourage them to see their own friends, go for a walk, or just rest. These small acts of consideration can make a real difference in how supported they feel.

And if you're reading this as a caregiver, please know this: what you're doing matters. The person you're caring for may not always have the words or energy to express it, but your presence and your love are making their journey more bearable.

At The Brooklyn Cancer Center, we see firsthand how important caregivers are to our patients' healing. We're here to support both you and your loved ones with compassionate, comprehensive cancer care.