Here are some empowering suggestions for family members and caregivers dealing with a loved one's cancer.

• Choose to take charge of your life. Your loved one's illness or disability is an opportunity to grow and build relationships. Try not to let it take over everyone's life in a negative way, but to find the positive in it.
• Quality and quantity of time are very different things. Remember to maintain personal balance and be good to yourself. You are now playing a very difficult role, and you deserve some down time so that you can offer the best support you can for the person in need.
• Depression can be a dominant factor when hope seems lost. Do not delay in getting professional help if you see signs that indicate depression (such as your loved one thinking they are becoming a burden, that life will be easier once they are gone). They need to see and feel that they are still important and that this is an opportunity for the family to grow stronger together.
• Accept the help of others and create a list of specific things that need to get done, from the laundry and shopping to yard work and bill paying.
• Educate yourself about your loved one's condition. Information is empowering and proactive.
• Your loved one's independence needs to be nurtured and supported. There is a difference between caring and doing. Be open to things such as technologies that promote your loved one's mental and/or physical independence; for example, technologies that help with daily physical needs, and encouraging them to utilize a computer to stay informed on their condition and to stay in contact with family and friends via email, creating a personal website, blog or family newsletter that keeps everybody up-to-date on the person's health and progress.)
• Trust your instincts and your faith; they are powerful allies and you feel better when the decisions are your own.
• Grieving is normal and necessary. Use it as a source of growth, and as an opportunity to be with family and friends and realize new possibilities.
• You and your loved one have rights. Stand up for what you believe and feel is right. Don't do things you feel uncomfortable with until you have a chance to gain a greater understanding of them.
• Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing that you are not alone. Learn about how others have succeeded, and failed.

Click here to read a recent interview with Lance Armstrong by Dr. Drew Lipinsky in which Lance shares his advice on what it means to survive cancer and "live strong."