Cancerwise

The term “sandwich generation” describes people who are raising their children while also caring for their aging parents. 

Juggling the responsibilities that each of these entails — plus a career, a household and a social life — is challenging even when cancer isn’t involved. So, what do you do when it is? 

Senior social work counselors Tatiana Fincham and Mary Dev weighed in on this topic during a recent episode of our Cancerwise podcast. Here are a few tips they shared. 

Expect to have big feelings

It may come as a shock to realize your parents are no longer the strong, independent people they once were. It probably comes as a jolt to them, as well.

“After all, they were the ones who took care of you,” Fincham notes. “You depended on them all through your childhood, and leaned on them for advice and support even as an adult, occasionally. So, the idea that they might need your help now can be jarring. There may be a lot of grief — and even some anger or resentment — on both sides about how things have changed.” 

A cancer diagnosis, treatment plans and side effects may also affect the way your parents feel about their situation. So, be gentle with yourselves as you navigate this strange new territory together.