Hello, Dear Reader! Welcome to our new Carer Mentor community members! I’m Victoria. You can read why I’m publishing Carer Mentor here: Who Started Carer Mentor and Why?
Dear Friends,
The poem below is about caregiving for an older loved one or a parent through cancer treatment and monitoring.
Click here to read Why iCARE about Cancer. Past and present events, first published January 2025.
This second rollercoaster is built on a previous nightmare. We’re blessed and very lucky for what we have. Everything is relative!
If you’re a caregiver for someone with cancer, please know you’re not alone.
If you’re comfortable sharing, introduce yourself in the comments below. If you’ve written about your experience, feel free to share the URL and title of your piece.
There are many resources and information aimed at supporting the family and friends of those diagnosed with cancer. Click here for links to support organisations.
You may be interested in reading one of the articles in this Cancer Anthology.
"The 'We' of Cancer" by Victoria @Carer Mentor In murky water, we try to move through currents of uncertainty, trying not to stew. Until the 'Scanxiety' challenges us to a fight, we keep hope for calm waters and ripples of light. Thirsty for news but with quiet dread. Fishing for hope, despite chatter in our heads. Our world is smaller— Immuno-compromised, shielding, masked, invisible, and slightly fried. Quality moments stuffed into seconds, hearts remain tied. Together, we "should focus on the now!", yet we're primed blind to the twists, the gaps and that sudden tired fall! Vigilant. To. It. All. Guiding gently, talks of wishes, risks and needs. Listening intently for buzzing worry-bees Comforting, reassuring as I steer us through the weeds. Are we caught in a swirl? Is it an issue? Or can we plan like we're free? It's hard to just BE, constantly swept along in more currents, nowhere to flee. I choose to keep evolving and finding a 'me' That fits to float our fragile bubble of 'We.' Because one thing Cancer can't override Is all the love we have together while I'm by her side.
I hope something in this poem resonated with you.
I realise not everyone can be a full-time carer, and many people do not have the support (people or finances) they need to care for their loved one. Some may have a difficult relationship with the person they’re trying to support.
My heartfelt empathy to anyone who is struggling. I see you.
Please like ‘❤️’ the article to guide others here.
So beautiful, Victoria🫰