Changes in roles and routines

When someone is diagnosed with advanced cancer, routines and family roles change. The person who was the major source of income might now be unable to work and may be dependent on others.

A partner who was sharing chores may now have to take on extra tasks or get a job. Maintaining your usual social life, hobbies, and interests may be difficult or impossible for a while.

There are a number of ways that may help you manage:

• preparing simpler meals
• being more relaxed about housekeeping standards
• if you have children, asking them to help more around the house
• when neighbours, friends, or relatives ask what they can do to help, you could ask for a specific task to be done for your child; such as taking them to sports practice.

“I have friends that allow me to talk. I don’t have to actually protect them all the time. I don’t have to protect my husband. I hand over things that I always took control of. I was the one to ferry the kids around, organised the meals, but they can do it.” Colleen