The Power of Support
- Ed Sheeran, 33, and his wife Cherry garnered much attention with their loving kisses at the Met Gala this week. Cherry has been largely out of the spotlight in recent years since giving birth to their second child and battling a tumor.
- Details of Cherry’s tumor remain unclear as Sheeran has not gone into great detail about it. However, several years later, Cherry appears to be doing well, and just celebrated her birthday.
- Communication and patience are crucial when offering support to a partner dealing with a health challenge. Having a partner, friend, or family member by your side during these times can make a huge difference.
- When you take on a caregiving role, it’s necessary to understand your loved one’s diagnosis and assist them when following cancer-care instructions.
While Cherry typically shies away from the spotlight, the couple captured attention with a tender kiss at the event. The happy couple, parents to two girls, faced recent challenges when Cherry was diagnosed with a tumor during pregnancy.
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The outpouring of love and support from their fans, who showered them with affectionate comments, is a testament to the couple’s widespread adoration and the sense of community they have fostered.
“Absolutely stunning. Just love these two together,” Instagram user Sandydee commented.
“Happy birthday to love Cherry, who won the heart of my favorite singer, Ed Sheeran,” Instagram user Stephanie commented.
Last year, Sheeran shared that his wife, Cherry Seaborn, was told during her second pregnancy that she had a tumor, and doctors couldn’t treat it until she gave birth to their daughter. Sheeran did not say whether Seaborn’s tumor was cancerous or non-cancerous.
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The popstar said 2022 was full of heavy emotions, but Cherry’s tumor diagnosis brought them closer together.
“I’ve been married almost five years now, and I’ve always felt real, real closeness. But last year was when that unbreakable bond was made,” Sheeran told a live audience at London’s Eventim Apollo, according to The Sun, one of Britain’s largest newspapers.
“I know you should feel that before with a marriage and children, but I really feel like ‘if we can get through 2022, we can get through anything,’” the singer added.
Although Sheeran did not share more specific details about his wife’s tumor, the impact her diagnosis had on him has been powerful. Cherry appears to be doing well today. Furthermore, battling a health condition can strengthen the bond within a relationship.
Helping Patients Understand the Role of Caregivers
- ‘A Sacred and Blessed Calling’ – Managing Life As a Caregiver
- “Be Proud Of What You’re Doing” — Justine Almada’s Ode to Cancer Caregivers
- “Heroes Wear Masks!” — Cancer Caregiver Rosario Dawson Knows the Value of Taking Care of Others
- Caregivers Can’t Provide Optimal Care for Their Loved Ones with Cancer If They Don’t Care for Themselves
- How to Be a Better Caregiver for Your Loved One
Supporting a Loved One During Health Battle
Sheeran’s unyielding and heartwarming support for his wife is something we see quite often as people continue sharing their healthcare journeys with SurvivorNet.
Receiving a life-altering diagnosis impacts the patient and their loved ones, especially their spouse or partner. MacMillan Cancer Support, a charity that advocates for cancer patients, says communication is a vital tool in helping support a partner with cancer, and it could help a couple understand each other better.
“It can help to ask your partner what support they would like and find useful. This makes sure you help where it is most wanted and needed. It can also help you avoid misunderstandings,” the charity said.
The charity also advises partners to allow a loved one who is dealing with a disease to feel as if they are “still in control.” This includes allowing the patient to lead the way in decision-making regarding family issues, their own care, and finances.
Supporting Your Partner as a Caregiver
It is important for cancer patients to have a strong support system. Having a partner, friend, or family member by your side to help care for and support you through a health struggle can be advantageous.
When you take on a caregiving role, it’s necessary to understand your loved one’s diagnosis and assist them when following cancer-care instructions.
WATCH: Managing Life as a Caregiver
Dr. Jayanthi Lea, a gynecologic oncologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, previously told SurvivorNet, “I encourage caregivers to come to visits with my patients because, in that way, the caregiver is also listening to the recommendations about what should be done between these visits, any changes in treatment plans, any toxicities [side effects] that we need to look out for, changes in dietary habits, exercise, etc.”
If you are a caregiver of a cancer patient, remember to not neglect your own mental and physical health as well.
“Caregiving is the most important job in the universe because you are there through the highs and lows,” Julie Bulger, manager of patient and family-centered care at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, told SurvivorNet.
“You are there to support your loved one, to manage all of the daily tasks as everything is changing in your life,” Bulger added.
Caregivers must also watch out for “caregiver burnout,” where stress, anger, fatigue, and illness emerge from putting another person’s needs ahead of their own.
Caregivers who find themselves struggling to care for a cancer warrior should consider seeking out a therapist or a support group of their own, either online or in person.
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