Talk to the health care team

They can help inform you about any practical assistance you can provide, but it is just as crucial to give emotional support. Advanced liposarcoma affects family and friends as well as the patient, so it’s important to make sure both you and your loved one remain as strong as possible during this time.

Take care of yourself

When you are caring for someone with advanced liposarcoma, sometimes the best help you can give is taking care of yourself. By making sure you leave time for your own mental and physical well-being, you will also ensure that you have the energy to provide support for your loved one when it is needed most.

Set priorities

Caring for someone with advanced liposarcoma involves many tasks—setting up doctor's appointments, cooking healthy meals, filling out paperwork, etc. It can all be very demanding, so it is important to prioritize your tasks and know your limits. By making a list and sharing responsibilities, you can better organize your day while still leaving room for much needed personal time.

Find productive ways to cope

The emotional toll of advanced liposarcoma can affect even the strongest family members and friends. These feelings are normal, and everyone has different ways of coping with them. Try expressing your feelings to others, or put your energy into other things that matter to you.

Reach out to others

Sometimes you may feel like you have to do everything yourself, but there is no shame in asking for help. Whether you need a hand with household chores, driving your loved one to the doctor, or you simply need someone to talk to, there are people who can help. Reaching out to family and friends, support groups for caregivers, or even the health care team can lift a tremendous weight off your shoulders—and ultimately better help you take care of your loved one.

Whether your loved one is newly diagnosed with advanced liposarcoma or has been fighting the disease for some time, going to the doctor can be difficult. Being there for your loved one during this time can be a great help, both practically and emotionally. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for a visit.

Ensure that your loved one is calm and comfortable

As you might have experienced, waiting for the doctor can often take longer than expected. You can help by bringing along items that may take your loved one's mind off of these stresses, and by making sure they are physically comfortable while waiting for their appointment.

Take notes

At times, you and your loved one may feel overwhelmed by the amount of information you are receiving. One good idea is to take notes on a notepad or electronically to review with your loved one at a later time—perhaps in a more comfortable setting at home.

Ask questions

It’s important to always stay informed about your loved one's health and to take an active role in observing their treatment progress. Remember to always ask the health care team questions if something is unclear or you want to know more information, and be sure to find out how to contact them with additional questions you may have later.

Eisai, the maker of HALAVEN, offers the HALAVEN $0 Co-Pay Program to assist eligible patients with the out-of-pocket costs of HALAVEN. You can learn more about the HALAVEN $0 Co-Pay Program by calling 1.855.EISAI.4U (1.855.347.2448) or visiting www.eisaireimbursement.com, where you can also download an enrollment form.

The HALAVEN $0 Co-Pay Program is part of the Eisai Assistance Program (EAP). Eisai, the maker of HALAVEN, offers this assistance program to provide eligible patients and caregivers with insurance information and financial support for HALAVEN, although Eisai cannot guarantee coverage.

Learn more about the HALAVEN $0 Co-Pay Program and financial support with HALAVEN here.

You can view and download helpful resources for you or your loved one here. These resources include educational information about HALAVEN, as well as helpful support materials for patients and their loved ones who are fighting advanced liposarcoma.

For more information about the disease, visit this page.

There are many helpful resources online that provide comprehensive information for you and your loved one who is fighting advanced liposarcoma.

The Sarcoma Alliance

The Sarcoma Alliance strives to improve the lives of people affected by sarcoma through accurate diagnosis, improved access to care, guidance, education, and support.

The Sarcoma Foundation of America

The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) provides support to sarcoma patients by funding research and increasing awareness about the disease through education and advocacy efforts.

The American Cancer Society^®

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has worked for over 100 years to create a world with less cancer. ACS focuses on helping patients to stay well and get well, to fight back, and to find cures.

Caregiver Action Network

Help for Cancer Caregivers, by the Caregiver Action Network (CAN), is a collaboration of organizations with the goal of improving the health and well-being of the people who care for patients with cancer.

You can also speak with your loved one's health care providers to find local community support groups that may be able to help, or find a list of patient support groups that you may want to share with your loved one on the Community groups page.