that services are available—both in the
care of someone with cancer can be
Theresa Rodriguez, RN, has been a
hospital and in one's home commu-
absorbing, so take advantage of those
nurse with Cancer Treatment Centers
nity—is important. The services of the
who desperately want to help you—they
of America® at Midwestern Regional
counseling and pastoral care departments
are out there and waiting! Take time
Medical Center in Zion, Illinois, since
at CTCA are available for caregivers, too. I
for yourself and know that respite is a
2006. Rodriguez graduated from
have heard hundreds of stories of patients'
natural need. As your loved one feels
Franklin and Marshall College in
neighbors and church members coming
better, increase the frequency or duration
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with a double
together. For any caregiver it is impor-
of your breaks. And remember: you don't
undergraduate degree in biology and
tant to realize that breaks are okay—as
have to be physically present for your
Spanish. She worked as a lab technician
is accepting the assistance of the myriad
loved one to know that you're there for
for Abbott Laboratories for several
friends and family members who natu-
him or her.
years and taught high school science
rally want to step in for a caregiver during
before obtaining her RN from College of
that time.
Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois. She
received her BSN from Olivet Nazarene
ANY OTHER TIPS YOU WOULD
University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, and
OFFER TO CAREGIVERS WHO WANT
is currently on track to receive her MSN
TO SUPPORT THEIR LOVED ONES
from Chamberlain College of Nursing in
DURING CANCER TREATMENT?
Arlington, Virginia, in the spring of 2013.
My advice is to heed the following
statement: You are not alone. Taking
cfthrive.com
spring 2013 | cancer fighters thrive 39