Caregivers rarely experience burnout before it happens. Usually, it’s after six months of only getting four hours of sleep each night, fighting with an insurance adjuster, and trying to be there for your loved one that you snap and take it out on them. At that point, it’s burnout.
The volume of paperwork and calls to manage during lung cancer treatment is absurd. Scheduling scans, getting approvals for treatments, calling pharmacies, managing FMLA/disability paperwork, dealing with bills before insurance has even processed the claim. That’s on top of dealing with your loved one’s diagnosis and illness. It’s no wonder that caregivers rarely get diagnosed with burnout before they’re already experiencing it. Family caregivers have high rates of depression and anxiety, and much of that stems from being the only person who knows where everything is.
During lung cancer treatment, there are tons of calls and paperwork. Getting authorizations for treatment, scheduling scans, calling the pharmacy, dealing with FMLA/disability paperwork, dealing with bills before the insurance company even sees them. The tasks just seem to stack up. On top of that is dealing with your loved one’s diagnosis and illness. It’s no wonder caregivers rarely experience burnout before it happens. Caregivers also have high rates of depression and anxiety. Much of that comes from being the keeper of all of the information.
Many bigger cancer centers have specialized support services available. A patient navigator or financial counsellor can provide much-needed support when everything feels too much. They are a free resource that is professionally trained to provide advice and care tailored to your specific challenges. If your authorizations are being denied and you feel overwhelmed with paperwork, they will be able to assist.
It’s exhausting to answer questions about your loved one’s care for the 10th time. Set up a group text where you can post updates rather than chase people down with questions. Let family know you won’t be answering individual check-ins.
If your loved one’s lung cancer was caused by someone’s negligence, there may be an asbestos claim available. A lung cancer law firm can help determine if there’s a claim, file against asbestos trusts, and dig up employment records. Many work on a contingency basis, meaning they won’t charge you any legal fees upfront.
People want to help and be there for you; they just don’t always know how. Ask for specifics when requesting help. Assigning a date for a specific task increases the likelihood of a yes. For example: ‘Can you take Thursday’s chemo appointment? I need to be at work’
Be sure to take care of yourself as well. Take time off to do something that you enjoy, whether it’s taking a walk, listening to music, or meeting up with a friend or family member. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to care for your loved one.
It is okay to feel like your loved one is taking over and complicating your life. To be able to balance your life, with its own challenges, may already feel overwhelming. Add to that the feeling of guilt when you do not take care of a loved one, and everything might feel like too much. Accept that your feelings are valid and may be a sign of your inner self calling for support.
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