Power of Support During Cancer
- Charles III, the 76-year old King of the United Kingdom, has just celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife Queen Camilla—and the milestone event comes during his ongoing cancer treatment, which has been on a “positive” track.
- Doctors discovered his cancer while treating his enlarged prostate last February, something that occurs in most men as they age. His health is reportedly “moving in a positive direction,” however, the specific type of treatment plan he is on hasn’t been disclosed.
- Buckingham Palace told multiple news outlets King Charles does not have prostate cancer. The exact type and stage of cancer and Charles’ ongoing treatment have not been disclosed at this time.
- Sometimes a cancer diagnosis can strengthen a relationship. Psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin recommends cancer patients surround themselves with people who care for and support them throughout treatment while also acknowledging their limits on what they can handle.
- However, being a caregiving can certainly have an impact on a relationship. To help, the National Cancer Institute suggests being open about your feelings with each other, continuing to go on dates, and always remembering that you both are on the same team.
- Caregiving can also be a strain for the caregiver. To avoid burnout the stress, fatigue and illness that can result from putting someone else’s needs above your own remember to take care of yourself, too.
King Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles got married in a civil ceremony on April 9, 2005, and they commemorated their relationship 20 years later while on a busy, four-day trip to Italy, where they met with Pope Francis.
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For anyone curious as to what’s being King Charles and Queen Camilla’s happy marriage, royal broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard informed Fox News Digital, “They have known each other since very young and are great friends. There is no competitive edge between King Charles and Queen Camilla.
“They have also sussed out the best sleeping arrangements. At Clarence House, they are privileged to have their own bedrooms as well as their shared bedroom.”
Chard added, “They are both independent people. They don’t live in each other’s pockets, spending a healthy chunk of their time apart in their country homes.
“Camilla enjoys time with her many friends and family and Charles values private work and creative time.”
Meanwhile, following the planting of an oak tree at a villa where he and the Queen stayed at in Rome, Italy, the kind reportedly commented on his life expectancy.
According to the Daily Mail, King Charles said, “Well I do hope that I shall live long enough to see a little bit of growth in the tree.”
His lighthearted words on his own mortality come shortly after King Charles apologized for canceling plans while coping with treatment side effects amid his fight against an undisclosed type of cancer which was discovered while treating his enlarged prostate.
The King ultimately needed to take time for his health and cancel any obligatory engagements he had due to the “temporary side effects” he endured, which “required a short period of observation in hospital,” as per a statement by Buckingham Palace, according to PA Media.
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It’s wonderful to see King Charles continuing to work and travel while undergoing cancer treatment. He traveled to northern Ireland prior to his recent Italy trip.
Also, as 2024 concluded, it was reported that the King’s cancer treatment was “moving in a positive direction,” as per NBC News who spoke with a Buckingham Palace insider. His condition was being “managed” and his treatment plan was set to “continue into the next year.”
The King’s cancer journey has been ongoing and since a Feb. 5, 2024 statement from Buckingham Palace, reading, “During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”
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It continued, “The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
Power of Support
A support system, like how King Charles III has with his wife and royal family, can be immensely helpful during a health battle. It can also be comprised of strangers who have come together because of a shared cancer experience. Mental health professionals can also be critical parts of a support system.
WATCH: Sharing details about your cancer diagnosis.
“Some people don’t need to go outside of their family and friend’s circle. They feel like they have enough support there,” psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik told SurvivorNet.
“But for people who feel like they need a little bit more, it’s important to reach out to a mental health professional,” Dr. Plutchik added.
Dr. Plutchik also stressed it is important for people supporting cancer warriors to understand their emotions can vary day-to-day.
“People can have a range of emotions, they can include fear, anger, and these emotions tend to be fluid. They can recede and return based on where someone is in the process,” Dr. Plutchik said.
Meanwhile, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin says people faced with cancer should “surround [themselves] with individuals who care and support [them]” throughout treatment while also acknowledging their limits on what they can handle.
“Going through [cancer] treatment is a very vulnerable and emotionally exhausting experience,” Dr. Strongin wrote in a column for SurvivorNet. “Noticing what you have strength for and what is feeling like too much [is] extremely important to pay attention to as you navigate treatment.”
If you’re ever in a relationship where you feel overwhelmed by how your partner is trying to support you, Dr. Strongin says you should try to communicate your feelings. This may help you decide if your partner is the person you want beside you “during this arduous chapter” of life.
Relationships and Cancer
Supporting a disease-fighting spouse or partner, in particular, can shine a bright light on the relationship you’ve already built. Just take it from actress and melanoma survivor Jill Kargman.
“I think cancer is a great way to find out if you’re with the love of your life or a sh*thead,” she previously told SurvivorNet. “I think it presses the fast forward button on getting to the bottom of that answer, because a lot of people in middle age are kind of at a crossroads, waiting for their kids to fly the coop.
Jill Kargman on Relationships and Cancer
“I think if you’re with someone who is not supportive and kind of emotionally checked out or doesn’t tell you you’re still beautiful with that, this might not be your person.”
To help strengthen your relationship through what can be an emotional journey, the National Cancer Institute suggests working on the following ways to improve your communication and interactions:
- Allow your spouse to make decisions about their care.
- Allow each of you to help the other as needed, whether that’s making food or simply reading to one another during a particularly hardtime.
- Be open with the other the stress you feel from the journey and how it’s affecting the relationship.
- Remember that you two are on the same team and be open about making decisions and completing tasks both together and alone
- Remember to continue having dates and special time with one another. Whether it’s renting a movie at home or going out to eat, continue with activities you both enjoy.
“Try to be yourself and live as normally as possible. Behaving differently may make your partner feel more aware of the cancer,” MacMillan Cancer Support explains.
“It can help to ask your partner what support they would like and find useful. This makes sure you help where it is most wanted and needed. It can also help you avoid misunderstandings.”
Though it might not be the case for all couples, there are many who see their relationships strengthen after they are thrown the curveball of cancer.
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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