MILWAUKIE, Ore. (KOIN) — Jerry and Susy Crowson have been married for 37 years. They have 2 kids and 2 grandkids, and Susy just recently retired from her job as a 1st-grade teacher.
She was also diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in February.
Jerry said he loves her dearly and calls her magnificent. But, he said, “We’ve never dealt with anything like this at all.”
“I’m trying to maintain, but sometimes it’s hard because I don’t know what I can do for her,” he told KOIN 6 News. “I feel helpless sometimes.”
He tried to find some support groups to talk things through and “learn what I might try or might do differently to help her.”
But he said he had trouble finding a caregiver support group, so he called KOIN 6 News because “I know you’re good at finding help for the community.”
Help for caregivers
Heidi Judge is a patient navigator with the American Cancer Society whose job is to connect patients and their families with resources from their organization and other community agencies.
“It’s difficult with caregivers because someone they love has received a difficult diagnosis and they want to do everything they can to help, but it’s important for them to make sure they’re taking care of themselves,” Judge told KOIN 6 News. “There’s lots of programs that offer support to caregivers.”
She said she understands what caregivers go through. “They go through the same disbelief and grieving and anger … but sometimes those feelings can be overlooked because they’re fighting so hard to take care of these loved ones.”
But caregivers get worn down and tired, she said. And that’s where the support programs come in.
Some of the programs meet in person and others are online. Hospitals often have social workers for both the patient and their family.
Judge said she wants caregivers to know help is available for them.
“I would like them to know if they take care of themselves then they’re going to be able to better take care of their loved ones. And if there’s anything we can do to help, that’s what we’re here for.”
Jerry and Susy
Jerry Crowson was referred to a support group and said he’d be happy to help anyone else in a similar situation.
“You can’t give up. You have to be grateful for the good days and the time that you are with, that I’m with her,” he said.
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The American Cancer Society’s Cancer Resource Network can help anytime, day or night. Call 1.800.227.2345 or visit their website for more information
Click to view slideshow.Filed under: Editor's Pick, Health, Human Interest, Multnomah County, Oregon
