Helpful ways to assist your loved one
- Help your loved one schedule their appointments. This includes scheduling appointments with their eye specialist throughout treatment. It may be helpful for you and your loved one to write down appointments on a physical calendar or on your phone.
- Write down a list of questions you or your loved one has for their doctors or specialists. You can also take notes during appointments to help them remember important information.
- Encourage them to create and stick to a routine to help manage side effects. Make sure they can access and use the vouchers for preservative-free lubricating eye drops and mouth care support in the DATROWAY Starter Kit. Also make sure they review the DATROWAY Getting Started Guide.
- Keep track of how your loved one feels and look out for any side effects. If you notice your loved one is experiencing any side effects, write down what the side effect is, when it happens, and how severe it is. Make sure to share any side effects with their care team.
- Don’t go through it alone. Your mental and physical health are important, too. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to other family members or friends for help, or explore available resources that can offer guidance and support.
Monitoring for and managing side effects
Treatment can be challenging for your loved one. As a care partner, you can help by tracking changes, helping them with daily eye and mouth care, and encouraging them to share any side effects with their care team. Here are some helpful questions to keep in mind:
Have they mentioned dryness in their eyes, eye pain, redness, swelling, irritation, excessive tearing, or any other eye problems? Are they getting routine eye exams? Are they using their eye drops at least four times a day and as needed? See the DATROWAY Getting Started Guide for eye care tips.
Have they noticed any new mouth sores, or have any existing sores become worse? Have sores made it harder for them to eat or drink? Are they using mouthwash as prescribed? See the DATROWAY Getting Started Guide for mouth care tips.
Have you noticed they've been eating less than usual? Have their eating habits changed?
Have they mentioned any changes in how they’re feeling emotionally or mentally?
Have they experienced any vomiting or nausea?
Have they experienced trouble breathing or shortness of breath? Have they developed a cough, a fever, or any other new or worsening breathing symptoms?
Your care and attention make a big difference. If you notice any changes in your loved one’s health, be sure to bring it up with them and help them share any side effects with their care team.
This is not a complete list of side effects for DATROWAY.
Taking care of yourself
Caring for someone with cancer can take a lot of emotional and physical energy. Here are a few ways to care for yourself while supporting your loved one:
SET ASIDE TIME FOR YOU
Take a daily walk or try light activities like stretching to boost your physical and mental well-being. Carving out time for yourself to unwind is important and you deserve it.
ALLOW SPACE FOR YOUR FEELINGS
Caregiving can bring moments of stress, uncertainty, and hope. Taking time to acknowledge your emotions can help you better care for your own mental and emotional well-being.
REACH OUT
Seek help from friends, family, or services for support if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Taking care of yourself will also help you give your loved one the best care possible.
Resources for care partners
Find guidance, connection, and tips to help you navigate your care partner journey through the external resources below.
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The American Cancer Society offers a Caregiver Resource Guide, serving as a tool for people who are caring for someone with cancer. It can help you learn how to care for yourself, better understand what your loved one is going through, develop skills for coping and caring, and take steps to help protect your health and well-being.
CancerCare offers caregiver support tips by providing free, professional support services for caregivers and loved ones, as well as information and resources.
The Cancer Support Community has a caregiver support database, including programs, services, and resources that can help you as you take care of your loved one with cancer.
This is a not a complete list of available resources.