If you are a good friend or family member caring for a loved one with cancer, you are a “caregiver.”  As a caregiver, one provides important physical and emotional support, by helping with daily activities, like providing transportation to various appointments, preparing meals and also helping an individual cope with this sometimes overwhelming and frightening experience.  Unfortunately, taking care of someone you love can be difficult.  It is important to keep your needs in mind, as well as those of your loved one.  You can optimize your caregiving abilities by first taking care of yourself.