I think it’s commonly agreed that watching your loved one struggle is one of the hardest things on the planet. It’s no wonder that a caregiver may wish it was them with the cancer. This can easily lead to feelings of guilt that it was not them in treatment.
Caregiver guilt can be strong during and after treatment. Why?
· Because they are exhausted, and need a break from caregiving.
· Because it feels bad to wish the survivor was doing more around the house.
· Because they have not been able to share how hard the cancer is for them, since being a cancer caregiver is not as bad as having cancer.
· Because they are not able to “make” their loved one all right again. Cancer changes things.
➢ Circle how often you are aware of feeling caregiver guilt:
Never Sometimes Frequently Consistently
I believe that caregiving is a calling. To serve others is to serve Christ. This vital role teaches us TONS about how Jesus loves us.
‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:40
➢ Do you believe that God can use the cancer in a survivor’s life to impact those around them? _____
➢ Do you believe that God can use the role of a caregiver to impact those around them? _____
➢ How have you seen these happen in your cancer journey?
Share your thoughts if you would like.