Just as cancer affects your physical health, it also brings up a wide range of emotions. Some of the first emotions are often feeling overwhelmed, scared, and worried. There is stress and anxiety over the wondering how this is going to affect you physically, how you will tolerate the treatments, the effect it will have on your family, the financial aspects, will insurance cover the costs, the list goes on and on. You may experience feelings of anger, frustration, and helpless-ness as life and your body seem out of your control. There is often a sense of loss and sadness during and even after treatment, as life may be different. Some people call it the “new you”, but maybe you want the “old you” back as you struggle with the changes. You recognize the effects that cancer has on your family and that when one member of the family has cancer, everyone in the family has major adjustments to make. Sometimes those that are the most quiet and seem to be handling the family changes are struggling more than you realize. It is often hard to know who to turn to, where to find support.
would like to introduce you to a very special lady, Gisele Kuhn. She is someone who wraps you in love from the moment she meets you. Several years ago, I became acquainted with her when she wanted to bring nursing students to visit BCCS, as she is an RN with a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education. We were able to connect in a special way with each of us having a close family member who had gone through a serious illness that impacted the family and continues to have repercussions. Her history of caregiving for someone with cancer has given her special insights into the need for having someone provide emotional support during these times of health crisis. Last year, Gisele contacted me about providing emotional support to our cancer patients and their families as a volunteer. We started developing a program for emotional outreach with Gisele providing support through phone calls, in the home, or at the BCCS office. Please note, this is not for therapeutic counseling sessions, just a friend to talk to for support. If you have cancer and feel you might benefit from sharing your experience with Gisele, please call the BCCS office at 269-429-3281. We’re here for you.
From the Desk of Nancy Church, RN- March 2025