There is no question that a cancer diagnosis is a difficult one to hear. And treatment, despite its advances, can be both mentally and physically taxing. A support system is critical, says Manish Gupta, M.D., an oncologist on the medical staff at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano. He offers these tips for caring for a loved one with cancer.

Understand the diagnosis and treatment. “I tell my patients, ‘Bring someone with you to your appointments. You might not remember everything. You might not understand everything,’” Dr. Gupta says. If you understand what’s going on, you’re better equipped to support the patient.

Remember the everyday things. Bring dinner or offer to babysit so the parents can rest. “Going through cancer can wear a person down, and you don’t have the energy to do what you want to do,” Dr. Gupta says. “These things are very helpful.”

Take care of yourself. Being a caregiver is tough work and can require some late nights. “But you need to get some rest,” Dr. Gupta says, “because if you’re not rested, you’re not going to be able to care for your loved one.”

Get the support you need. The American Cancer Society offers various resources, including transportation to appointments. You also can take advantage of local support groups that cater to both the patient and the caregiver like those offered at Baylor Plano and through Gilda’s Club.

Know that what you’re doing matters. Caregivers can sometimes go unnoticed, Dr. Gupta says, and while they don’t do it for the recognition, their support makes a difference. “The outcome [for the patient] might not be different,” he says, “but the journey is different.”

Join us for a free seminar on this topic.

Caring for a Loved One with Cancer

When: Tuesday, Oct. 6, noon to 1 p.m.

Where: Education Center 1-4

Presented by June Hunt, author and breast cancer survivor. Lunch provided. To register, click here.