6. Recruit neighbors and friends.

Identify other people who can play a supportive role and get to know them, too. Would it ease your mind to know the next-door neighbor was keeping an eye on the patient's house and would notify you if she heard strange noises or the lights didn't go on one night? Ask the person you're caring for if she knows her neighbors, and if so, ask her to introduce them to you. Even if she doesn't, you can still knock on the doors of the houses next door and introduce yourself. Once you explain the situation, most people will be more than happy to help. Ask for their phone numbers, and make sure everyone has yours posted near their phone.

7. Investigate local services.

Maybe the local grocery store makes deliveries; check online or stop by and ask. This can save you a trip across town each time she needs milk or bread. Having a local gardener and handyperson on call can save you unnecessary visits to cope with a broken tree branch or leaky faucet, freeing you to help with the more important tasks of her care.

8. Contact her religious organization.

If the person you're caring for goes to a church, mosque, or synagogue, attend religious services there and ask to meet the minister, rabbi, or other leader. Ask if the organization has volunteers who visit those who are ill; many religious institutions are used to providing such services to those in their congregations and may even have ideas for other ways they can help.

If you start to feel isolated or alone at any point during the process of caring for the person with cancer, talk to her doctor about it. Many hospitals have a network of cancer support services that you can access when you need them. Also, communicate as often as possible with family, friends, and members of her community. If people know that you're overwhelmed and need help, they're usually more than happy to help out as much as you need them to. Let them know you're struggling, and you'll almost certainly be surprised by the outpouring of support you receive.