While we provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support to our cancer patients as they fight this disease, we don't forget about family memebers and caregivers who do so much to care for the patient during this time.  Below is a Caregivers Bill of Rights and a list of web sites for caregivers of cancer patients.

Caregiver's Bill of Rights

1. I have the right to take care of myself.
2. This is not an act of selfishness. It will give me the ability to take better care of my loved one.
3. I have the right to seek help from others even though my loved one may object. I know the limits of my own endurance and strength.
4. I have the right to maintain parts of my own life that do not include the person I care for, just as I would if he were healthy. I know that I do everything that I reasonably can do for this person. I have the right to do some things just for myself.
5. I have the right to get angry, be depressed, and express difficult feelings once in a while.
6. I have the right to reject any attempt by my loved one to make me do things out of guild or anger. (It doesn't matter if she knows that she is doing it or not.)
7. I have the right to get consideration, affection, forgiveness, and acceptance for what I do for my loved one, as I offer these in return.
8. I have the right to take pride in what I'm doing. And I have the right to applaud the courage it has taken me to meet the needs of my loved one.
9. I have the right to protect my individuality. I also have the right to a life that will sustain me in times when my loved one no longer needs my full-time help. (Author Unknown)

Helpful Websites for Caregivers
Family Caregiver Alliance
www.caregiver.org

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
www.canceradvocacy.org

National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA)
www.nfcacares.org

The Well Spouse Foundation
www.wellspouse.org