How to Support Eye Cancer Patients

Introduction

Eye cancer can occur in 1 of the 3 main sections of the eye. These sections include the orbit, the globe and the adnexal structures. Individuals battling cancer of the eye have a huge list of factors to deal with on a daily basis, from deciding on treatments to facing one's mortality. If your friend or family member has been diagnosed with eye cancer, take an active role in learning how to support them through this difficult process. It will help enrich both of your lives, and may just give the necessary boost to make a full recovery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Learn How to Support Eye Cancer Patients Before Treatment

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection
• Computer

Steps

1

Step One

Know that there are close to 2,500 eye cancer patients every year, with the wide majority of them aged 50 or over.

2

Step Two

Offer to accompany your loved one to one or more doctor visits. Remembering all the right questions to ask and retaining the valuable information can be overwhelming, and having a trusted companion can help tremendously.

3

Step Three

Help them decide the right treatment choice by researching methods and allowing them to discuss all their options at length.

4

Step Four

Make an unbiased list of pros and cons for treatment options.

5

Step Five

Encourage the individual to ask their doctor every conceivable question or concern. It's important they gather all the information they can before making a treatment selection.

Learn How to Support Eye Cancer Patients During and After Treatment

Steps

1

Step One

Offer to take over some of your loved one's responsibilities during the treatment process, such as childcare or house cleaning.

2

Step Two

Volunteer your time and effort to help with every day tasks like babysitting, transportation and house cleaning.

3

Step Three

Make an extra effort to do fun things that can take your loved one's mind off their cancer.

4

Step Four

Plan surprise dinners, gifts and outings can help keep the patient in a positive frame of mind.

5

Step Five

Research what your loved one can expect once treatment is complete. In some cases, vision will be damaged or all together destroyed. If this is the case, help them start adjusting to a sightless lifestyle before the blindness takes effect.