By Natalie Fox and Cancer Hope Network

Cancer affects you as well as the patient.
According to the National Cancer Institute, there are expected to be over 1.5 million new cases of cancer (approximately) in the United States for 2014. And many of these people diagnosed are going to require a person to help support and take care of them.

Caring for the emotional and physical needs of your loved one with cancer can be fulfilling. Is it possible to care too much?? While you are ensuring that the needs of your loved one are being met, you may overlook your own well-being.

Caregiving results in emotional and physical stress to the caregiver. You may feel exhausted, isolated, unhappy, or overwhelmed. You may even feel selfish or ashamed for thinking about your own health and needs. At times, you may be consumed with self-doubt. You are trying to do your best-but nothing has prepared you for cancer caregiving.
It is important to recognize the signs of compassion fatigue, before taking care of others affects you.

There are organizations you can reach out to, such as an organization called Cancer Hope Network that offers free support for the caregiver.
Cancer Hope Network offers free, one-on-one confidential support to those who are caring for a cancer patient. By talking with a Caregiver Support Volunteer, you will find that the emotional or physical strain you may be experiencing is not unusual€¦and that showing your love and concern doesn't have to hurt you.

There are Caregiver Support Volunteers who are people just like you who have been patient caregivers or people like your loved one who know, firsthand, what it is like to live with cancer. Talking with an experienced, trained volunteer can provide the emotional support and encouragement that you might need.

Receiving support will help you to continue to provide the best care possible for your loved one. Not only will you realize the hope that emerges from support, but you will also feel more comfortable knowing that you have on-going access to free support services.

Talking to someone who's been there will also help you to better understand the challenges of caregiving because they have experienced it themselves.

The most important thing to understand when being a caregiver is that you are not alone€¦there are many support organizations, including Cancer Hope Network that are here to listen and support you. You can talk to someone who's been there and get a little care for yourself. The trick is to not feel embarrassed or ashamed to reach out for support and help.