Caring for a Sick Family Member - Lung Cancer

When a loved one calls for help, you go—no questions asked. That’s exactly what happened when my brother, who is battling cancer, needed me. Despite being an anxious flyer, I packed my bags and traveled on short notice to San Diego to be by his side. This week is about helping him navigate the health system, attending doctor’s appointments, sitting with him through chemo, and meeting with surgeons to determine the next steps in his fight against cancer.

Balancing Family Responsibilities While Away

Leaving home to help a sick family member isn’t just about booking a flight and showing up. It requires a system to ensure that home life continues smoothly in your absence. I have two children—one who can manage on her own and another who still needs some adult supervision. Before leaving, I made sure there was a plan in place to cover daily responsibilities so my absence wouldn’t disrupt their routine too much. Whether it’s arranging for family members or friends to step in, making check-in calls, or setting up schedules, having a support system is key.

Navigating the Health System

One of the biggest challenges in this journey is navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Between doctor’s appointments, chemotherapy sessions, and surgical consultations, there are countless decisions to be made. Being there means helping to ask the right questions, keeping track of treatments and medications, and ensuring my brother has the emotional support he needs.

For those in similar situations, I recommend:

- Keeping a notebook or digital file with medical updates, test results, and important contacts.

- Writing down questions before appointments to make sure nothing gets overlooked.

- Advocating for your loved one when they are too overwhelmed to speak up.

Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others

As caregivers, we often put our loved ones first, but it’s important to take care of ourselves too. This week, I’ll be sharing daily updates on what we’re going through, insights on handling the stress of caregiving, and the realities of supporting someone through a cancer battle. If you’re in a similar situation or know someone who could benefit from our journey, please share this blog with them.

I’m definitely not sad to be in San Diego right now, but the reason I’m here is heavy. Despite the uncertainty, I am grateful to be by my brother’s side, helping him take each step forward. Check back daily for updates on this journey, and if you have tips or experiences of your own, I’d love to hear from you.