It is common for caregivers to worry about the future and what lies ahead.

A diagnosis of cancer brings many changes. Many of these changes are physical and/or emotional. For some, these changes will make them think about the meaning of their lives and what really matters to them.

People touched by cancer often experience loss of control, unwanted aloneness, and loss of hope. All these feelings can lead us to worry about the future and feel uncertainty about what may lie ahead.

This is a common reaction to the cancer experience.

If you notice that you are so worried that you can’t enjoy things that usually bring you pleasure, you need to reach out to your health care provider.

If you are worried about the future, it may help to reach out to your loved one’s health care team.

Your health care team includes the oncologist/hematologist, oncology nurses, social worker, and nurse or patient navigator. It may also include a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant.

Some fears and concerns can be cleared up by understanding your loved one’s cancer and treatments.

Often, myths and lack of information can cause unwanted anxiety. If needed, your doctor may prescribe medications that can reduce the stress and anxiety you are feeling.

Know that it is okay, and even a good idea, to make plans.

Keep moving ahead one step at a time. It is common to feel overwhelmed at times by your worries about the future.

Remember that even before your loved one was diagnosed with cancer, you might have had the same kinds of worries about your future.

A loved one’s cancer diagnosis can make your life feel out of your control.

It is normal to have questions about the meaning of one’s life. Spending some time thinking about this topic may help you to discover new goals, priorities, and possibilities.

People with cancer and their caregivers often find this to be a chance to focus on what really matters and make positive life changes.

Spending more time with family and friends is a common change people make in their lives. For others, they might complete a project they had started, but never gotten around to finishing. This might be a scrapbook or house project. Others decide to take up a new hobby or travel.

There is no right answer that will fit all people.

For each person, the changes made or the decision not to make any changes is personal. You and your loved one will find a “new normal” together.

Sometimes, worry can become severe.

If you are worrying a lot or your worry is getting in the way of doing the things you need and want to do, contact your health care provider. They can refer you to a trained counselor with experience in cancer and worry.

There are research-based strategies that can help you manage your worry, so that you can focus on what matters most for you and your loved one.

Cancer Support Community Resources

The Cancer Support Community’s (CSC) resources and programs are available free of charge. To access any of these resources call the Cancer Support Helpline below or visit http://www.CancerSupportCommunity.org/.

Cancer Support Helpline®—Have questions, concerns or looking for resources? Call CSC’s toll-free Cancer Support Helpline (888-793-9355), available in 200 languages Mon-Fri 9am-9pm ET and Sat-Sun 9am–5pm ET.

Open to Options®—Preparing for your next appointment? Our trained specialists can help you create a list of questions to share with your doctor. Make an appointment by calling 888-793-9355 or by contacting your local CSC or Gilda’s Club.

Frankly Speaking About Cancer®—Trusted information for cancer patients and their loved ones is available through publications, online, and in-person programs. http://www.CancerSupportCommunity.org/Get-Educated-Inspired.

Services at Local CSCs and Gilda’s Clubs—With the help of 170 locations, CSC and Gilda’s Club affiliates provide services free of charge to people touched by cancer. Attend support groups, educational sessions, wellness programs, and more at a location near you. http://www.CancerSupportCommunity.org/FindLocation.

MyLifeLine—CSC’s private, online community allows patients and caregivers to easily connect with friends and family to receive social, emotional, and practical support throughout the cancer journey and beyond.

Sign up at http://www.MyLifeLine.org/.

The Cancer Policy Institute’s (CPI) Grassroots Network—Become a part of a network of cancer advocates working to help improve the lives of cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones.

Get up-to-date information on key issues that are important to the cancer community and opportunities to make your voice heard by U.S. policymakers on issues that affect people impacted by cancer.

As a Grassroots Network member you will also receive a monthly CPI newsletter, full of important information about current issues impacting patients, advocacy stories, upcoming events, resources, and more.

Sign up at http://www.CancerSupportCommunity.org/Become-Advocate.

Cancer Experience Registry®—Help others by sharing your cancer patient or cancer caregiver experience via survey at http://www.CancerExperienceRegistry.org/.

The Cancer Support Community provides this information as a service. This publication is not intended to take the place of medical care or the advice of your doctor.

We strongly suggest consulting your doctor or other health care professionals to answer questions and learn more.