John done with chemo Oct 19th

[slipslidingaway]

14. Can only speak as a caregiver but I do not think there is ever an end date ...

there is only another day, and then another day, and then another and hopefully each day is better than the last. That is something to be celebrated, just take the next step forward without too many expectations from either the patient or those close to the patient. It is a long process which has no specific end date and varies by patient and disease. I am sure that does not help, but all we can do is try to take the next step. I must say that I feel lucky to have an 'easy patient' as an example he knew he had to eat, even if in his words, it felt like he was eating a brown paper bag. He knew he had to move forward. I do believe the role of caregiver is much more challenging when the patient is less willing and I admit that I would not be a very good patient, so hats off to all the good patients!!!

Bottom line, try and go with the flow, push when appropriate and back off when needed, there is no end date to this experience, but many are on a similar path. Reach out for support when needed, remember you are not alone. Those around us sometimes believe there should be a switch, so we automatically believe things should turn around in a short amount of time, but that is not always reality.

All that being said if there are concerns then do consult the docs and do some research on your own, it never hurts to question, but it can hurt to not question. So follow your gut and seek advice.