Rochester, Minnesota - Greetings everyone, this is Lonnie writing to you for the first time. Much of my joy in being a nurse has come from the variety of experiences I've had and the wonderful people whose lives have touched mine.

I've been inspired by their insight and courage over the years and now I'm grateful for the chance to be a part of this blog and once more learn through the sharing of your lived wisdom.

My mom said I was a caretaker from the time I was a little girl. Every injured kitten, puppy, or bird that I discovered would find its way to our farm house where I could give it some tender, loving care.

It always brought me joy to help in some way, so it didn't come as much of a surprise when I decided to become a nurse.

Some of you may relate to that situation. Perhaps you find taking care of family and friends is more of a pleasure than a burden. Or when you have an opportunity to show someone they're important to you by caring for them, it not only makes them happy, but it also gives you back a sense of joy and purpose.

Now that you've been diagnosed with cancer, you may find it hard to be the person who needs help from others. During cancer treatment, we stress that you need to think of and take care of yourself.

If you're someone with cancer and a born caretaker, you may find yourself wondering about those opportunities where you can show support and gratitude to your family and friends who are caring for you.

It can be therapeutic to give back on occasion. How might you bring those caring behaviors back into your relationship in simple ways, even in the presence of fatigue or other treatment side effects?

Some people have found they have been able to give back and show care for their caregiver with the following ideas:

• A short hand massage while watching TV together
• Brief hand written notes taped to the mirror
• Today's gratitude note placed on their pillow or in their work bag
• Suggest a night away with friends when it seems like they need a break
• A short text message letting them know that you appreciate their love and support

Everyone experiences feeling loved and appreciated in a variety of ways. Caring behaviors don't need to be expensive or time consuming to be meaningful. Sometimes it's the little things that count the most.

I'd love to know what has worked for you and your caregiver or what you may try in the future.