Ambushed By Cancer

"When we first meet people, understandably, they are very shocked. They've just received a diagnosis that may significantly alter their life. And although we review all the information with them about diagnosis, treatment, and what to expect, not surprisingly most people don't process all of that...so it is helpful to have a caregiver...who's hearing the same information...who can help the patient know what to expect, and for that caregiver...to guide the patient through the process, in addition to us coaching and guiding the patient...." -Dr. Eric D. Jacobsen, MD Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
"There is power in a caregiver's ability to bear witness to a person who is suffering from serious illness. Being seen and validated in illness can provide strength to a sick person as they carry that acknowledgement as their ongoing proof of importance in this world. However, bearing witness is so very difficult, and the strength to do so clearly comes from the love shared between a patient and their caregiver. -Dr. Nancy T. Skehan, MD, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
"Whether the caregivers are family members or close acquaintances, they can help bridge the gap between hope and despair, can provide clarity in the midst of confusion, and they can help guide the patient along a path fraught with fear and anxiety." -B. Joyce Gilmore, RN (Retd.)