How can I support my partner who's caring for me during cancer?

What a thoughtful question that shows how much care exists in your relationship. Supporting a caregiver partner often comes down to open communication about their needs, encouraging them to maintain their own support systems and self-care routines, and finding small ways to show appreciation even when energy is limited. Many couples find that setting realistic expectations together, accepting help from others when offered, and having honest conversations about fears and feelings helps prevent burnout and keeps the partnership strong through treatment.

Ya know, you're VERY lucky your husband is being so supportive! I kinda think he'll stick with you no matter what. I was diagnosed a week ago. My husband has yet to hug me. He tells me I'm being mean to him (which I don't think I am). He stays upstairs n I stay downstairs because he's a heavy smoker. I pointed out how he's chain smoking and told him that it's not good for me. His response: for YOU!?! We were in the car together the other day n I asked him to please not smoke...he did anyway. I kinda feel like he's concerned about how my cancer will affect ME taking care of HIM anymore. We're together 39 years. 3 daughters n 5 grandkids. Yes, he came to Christmas Mass with me, which is very important to me. So, Julia, I just think if he's there for you now, he's not going anywhere! And he'll make your journey a little lighter. "Thank you" goes a long way. As for him "burning out" I think he'll find ways to be ok cuz he knows you need him now.

My wife accompanies me to my doctor appointments, including my monthly infusions. She knows the meds I’m taking and home tests as well. She is very much sharing this experience with me, including being there and understanding when I’m having a tough day (metastatic melanoma treatments, including immunotherapy side effects can be challenging). But we are fortunate the treatments are having significant positive results so we are optimistic that all of this work by her, the doctors , my supportive family and myself is worthwhile and giving us additional time to be together. We are grateful and do not take this opportunity lightly because I do have a deadly illness. So, we just operate that we are living with cancer rather than isolating from each other and thinking only that I am dying of cancer. Obviously it helps to have a good marriage from the start, being elderly as opposed to being young with this disease, and some belief you have a chance for a prolonged life. Nevertheless, it’s a choice of attitude. A buddy of mine, who also has cancer, told me that everyone close to you knows the score and will remember how you behaved during this experience. Best to you and your husband. My wife and I are pulling for you to find and experience closeness and good living from here on out.