What Caregiving For Your Spouse Really Looks Like

In this episode of I Saved You. Now, Do the Dishes, I open up about one of the most exhausting and vulnerable parts of our caregiving journey—feeding Gavin. At first, I was feeding him by hand through 10 different syringes. And, since he had to be sedated 30 minutes before every radiation session, he was often unconscious or groggy during the times he needed to eat.

It was lonely, sacred, and exhausting work. I had questions. His feeding port popped open often initially, and formula went everywhere every time he flicked or coughed. It was a mess, and I needed help and community. And then came the news: since Gavin was an emergency room patient, the GI department didn't see him as a patient and could not support us for several weeks after we were sent home from the hospital. It was a liability issue for the hospital.

This episode is a window into the quiet heroism caregivers shoulder behind the scenes, and the absurdity of having to wait for a liability loophole to get help.

If you're a family caregiver, reach out to me at www.carrieseverson.com or follow me at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarrieseverson/.

Carrie Severson shares her personal stories and tips from her experience as a caregiver during her husband's head and neck cancer. She discusses the challenges, emotions, and lessons learned while supporting a loved one through cancer. Carrie also shares tips on burnout, resilience, and discusses the importance of finding the joys in everyday life.