My partner has inflammatory breast cancer. I really want to make the holidays special for her, but I have no money to do it with. Needless to say, I have nothing for the holidays. Any suggestions on how I, a caregiver and worried spouse, can get an extra burst of energy to fight for more money to make this year special?

2024-12-20 00:00:00 -0500

I’m seeing a couple of different stressors here: 1) financial strains and 2) emotional strains connected to burnout. Let’s focus first on the financial strain. Have you tried reaching out to breast cancer organizations to receive financial assistance? Reaching out to places such as Susan G. Komen or Pink Aid’s Pink Purse could help give you some financial aid at this time. In addition, I’d highly recommend that you give CancerCare’s Hopeline number a call to sign up for resource navigation: 1-800-813-4673. Resource navigation is similar to case management; you are paired with a specialist here who can help find you the resources you’re looking for.

Now let’s address burnout. Oftentimes caregivers experience symptoms of burnout (sadness, anxiousness, irritability, changes in appetite, changes in sleep, decrease in physical wellness, etc.) due to lack of self-care. I invite you to think about when you fly on an airplane, the attendant tells you to put on your mask before helping others. This holds true for caregiving as well. If you are unsure of where to start for self-care, check out this great fact sheet on the CancerCare website. Try exploring counseling or a support group. Perhaps download a relaxation app on your smart phone. Even going for a walk can help with relaxation.