Survival mode kicks in. After a cancer diagnosis, many patients focus solely on making it through each day, grappling with fears about how their illness will affect their loved ones.
Rick and Jane Williams, along with their daughters, Chauncey and Ann Hudson, have faced the challenges of cancer head-on. For the past eight years, they have supported 66-year-old Rick through his journey with esophageal cancer. Caregiver support resources from Atrium Health Levine Cancer have been instrumental in helping Jane navigate her role as a caregiver, enabling her to be a stronger partner to her husband.
“I have learned to take care of myself during this process, and using Levine Cancer’s caregiver support resources helps me do that,” Jane says. “Without that support, Rick would be trying to manage my emotions while also focusing on his health and well-being.”
Throughout his cancer journey, Rick has needed varying levels of medical and emotional support. For much of this time, he kept his experience private, but recently, he’s become more open to connecting with others for support. Rick and Jane are grateful for the resources that have helped them along the way.
Research shows that caregivers experience significant burdens and negative impacts on their quality of life. Levine Cancer’s caregiver support resources are grounded in evidence-based practices.
“Supporting caregivers significantly improves patient outcomes,” explains Dori Beeler, research scientist with Levine Cancer. “This approach enhances both caregiver well-being and patients' cancer-related outcomes. It also strengthens the effectiveness of our health care teams and enhances care coordination. By caring for the caregiver, we foster a holistic approach to patient care.”
Navigating the highs and lows
To treat Rick’s esophageal cancer, he had chemotherapy and radiation followed by surgery. He took a short break and joined a year-long immunotherapy clinical trial. He received the placebo during the trial and was prescribed the drug following FDA approval.
"Rick's health has improved alongside recent research breakthroughs," Jane notes. "His outcomes have been more positive, especially with advancements in immunotherapy. We’re incredibly grateful to Levine Cancer for their efforts to get Rick into clinical trials that have made a real difference in his health."
Despite the positive results from treatment, Jane says every day is a challenge.
Rick’s cancer has returned multiple times, leading him to start a new chemotherapy regimen and manage its side effects. Jane and Rick have managed the highs and lows of cancer while parenting their daughters. When Rick was first diagnosed, Ann Hudson was in high school, and Chauncey was in college.
While Jane and their daughters provide unwavering support during Rick’s treatment, they view themselves not as caregivers but as partners in his cancer journey.
"For the past eight years, he’s had a scan every three months,” Jane says. “It’s great for catching things early, yet it also brings a wave of anxiety and dread each time. We’ve been living in a constant state of fight or flight."
Caregiver support resources
Levine Cancer recognizes caregivers as an integral partner of the cancer care team. The center is committed to providing support, education and training opportunities for caregivers to help build their confidence and skills. Most of the resources are provided at no cost to caregivers or their families.
Here are some resources Jane has benefited from:
Individual counseling
Jane sought counseling through Levine Cancer, which proved invaluable. She wasn’t ready to open up in a group setting, so these one-on-one sessions provided personalized support. The counseling helped her navigate her emotions and find ways to guide her children through their father’s health challenges.
Care Partner Support Group
Eventually, Jane joined the virtual Care Partner Support Group.
“I’ve gained so much from the monthly group sessions,” Jane shares. “They offer a space to discuss what you and your family are going through and how each member is affected. It’s invaluable to get input from other caregivers who offer an outside perspective, providing support and a sense of shared experience.”
Keep Pounding Family Center
When Rick has chemotherapy, Jane regularly hangs out in the Keep Pounding Family Center at Levine Cancer. She’ll work or relax in the lounge, where she can use the couches, TVs, snacks and coffee maker. There are even private rooms available.
Cancer Resource Center
Jane has often turned to the library in Levine Cancer’s Cancer Resource Center, which offers a wealth of cancer-related books, pamphlets, and other resources for the community. These materials cover a variety of topics, from different types of cancer and treatment side effects to strategies for helping patients navigate the emotional and physical aftereffects. They also provide caregivers with valuable insight into what it’s like to be the patient, experiencing the side effects firsthand.
“It’s wonderful having a common place to get educated by the latest peer-reviewed articles and medical journals,” Jane notes. “All the research has already been sifted for you, with the most important aspects highlighted.”
“I’m an information seeker,” Jane continues. “You don’t know what you don’t know. I’ve gained so much from what others have shared with me along the way, and I hope I can do the same for others.”
Comfort resources in treatment rooms
Many treatment rooms have snacks, drinks and warm blankets to keep patients and their families comfortable.
Communication and emotional support
From their first consultation, Rick and Jane have experienced compassionate, unhurried discussions with Levine Cancer doctors, who always take the time to answer their questions and explain their treatment options. This open communication allowed Rick to share symptoms he hadn't even mentioned to his wife, highlighting the importance of a trusting patient-doctor relationship.
In addition, Jane has been impressed by Rick’s doctors’ efforts to call him personally to share important updates about his current health.
“Sometimes, when it was difficult news, it helped when the doctor called and talked us through the challenges and next steps,” says Jane.
Rick’s care team has gone above and beyond to provide emotional support. For example, when he finished a year-long immunotherapy clinical trial, the doctors and nurses at Levine Cancer presented him with a cake and balloons, a “sweet gesture” that was completely unexpected.
“These small gestures can make a huge difference in a family’s health journey – whether for a child or a 66-year-old man,” Jane explains. “The daily challenges of this journey can feel overwhelming, so having these moments to connect with others is incredibly helpful. I’m convinced that the right people are here at Levine Cancer and truly dedicated to supporting patients.”
Wraparound care
The Williams family has greatly benefited from the wraparound care at Levine Cancer, delivered with a personal touch.
“It’s not just a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s a comprehensive network of support that evolves with you,” Jane explains. “They’re there to address different needs at every stage. Levine Cancer offers so many initiatives that truly make a difference.”
For example, after Rick’s surgery, Levine Cancer provided speech therapy to help retrain his body to eat and swallow. Specialists also taught Jane how to manage the feeding tube that Rick used for six months. Jane adds that during the COVID-19 pandemic, when everything felt “uncertain and frightening,” they always felt supported and never neglected.
Rick is forever grateful to his medical team, including his doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners. The team has remained positive, responsive and efficient whenever Rick and Jane need assistance.
“The personalized care and attention they provide is incredible – it feels like concierge care,” Jane says. “Rick has never felt like he’s just a number; he’s always been treated as an individual.”
Resilience and gratitude
At the time of Rick’s diagnosis, he had only a 15% to 20% chance of surviving five years. Now, as he nears eight years of survival, Rick and Jane are in awe of his progress. Thanks to Levine Cancer’s unwavering support, Rick has remained resilient while cherishing time with his family.
“We’re so grateful for this precious time together,” Jane says. “We’ve made a point to check off bucket-list activities and make every moment meaningful.”
Each week, Rick and Jane continue to be amazed by the support they’ve received.
“Looking back on this journey and all the steps we’ve taken, the support from Levine Cancer has been priceless,” Jane reflects. “We feel incredibly blessed and forever grateful. Working with their cancer care experts has been nothing short of extraordinary.”
Learn more about Levine Cancer’s caregiver support classes and events.
