Most adults have attended many weddings. For the most part, the ceremony isn’t anything unique, and some attendees may not even think much when one of the parties says something along the lines of, “I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband (or wife), to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”

When it comes to sickness and health it’s important for the non-sick spouse to provide love and the utmost amount of support as possible during difficult times, such as when one has been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving chemotherapy.

Depending on how long a couple has been married, and the prior challenges they’ve overcome during their time together (loss of loved ones, fertility issues, career problems, infidelity, etc.), they may have prior experience in overcoming difficult times. For most though, this will be the biggest challenge of a marriage, of life itself, and emotional support is vital.

So, how do you support your partner if they are receiving chemo? If only that question had an easy, perfect answer, but it doesn’t. Each situation is unique and you know your spouse as well as anyone. It’s important to communicate, especially to listen to one’s needs and to avoid trying to fix every problem.

Ask for help. If you can develop a huge support network of friends and family, they can assist you during this time, whether it’s helping with your own kids and their busy activities, preparing meals, doing a load or two of laundry, tidying up the house. Every little bit can prove to be helpful.

It’s also important to have an oncologist, such as Dr. Sabet Siddiqui and Oncology MDs, Inc., that knows what your family is experiencing.

[ www.oncologymds.com ]

Call Dr. Siddiqui at (815) 862-3489.