Balancing Everyday Life with a Clinical Trial: Tips for Managing Work, Family, and Treatment

1. Talk to Your Clinical Trial Team About the Schedule

Before you start, ask about the clinical trial schedule. How many appointments are required, how often do they occur, and for how long will they take? Knowing this ahead of time helps you plan work, family time, and rest.

Bring a notebook or calendar to write it all down. You can also ask for a copy of the schedule. Often the Informed Consent form that you sign and receive before you begin will also include a list of appointments, tests, or scans.

2. Consider Telling Your Employer (If You Feel Comfortable)

If you are employed, refreshing your knowledge around employee benefits and requirements might be helpful. Also, you don’t have to share details, but letting your manager or HR team know you’re in treatment may open doors for flexibility, remote work, or medical leave options. Non-profit organizations such as Triage Cancer, CancerCare and Patient Advocate Foundation offer free information and educational resources on a variety of topics to support individuals and caregivers around practical considerations on navigating a cancer diagnosis.

These independent third-party websites are just an example of resources that may be available*.

3. Engage Support from Family and Friends

Let friends or family know what you’re dealing with and how they can help with things such as rides, meals, childcare drop-offs/pickups, and grocery shopping. Most people want to support you, but aren’t sure what you need unless you tell them. Check out Tip #8 for ideas on how to ask for help.

4. Ask About Support Services

Many hospitals and cancer centers offer free help, such as:

• Transportation to appointments and other travel-related support
• Childcare options
• Financial or insurance help
• Some clinical research sites provide reimbursements for clinical trial related expenses such as parking and transportation
• Emotional support or counseling, including consultation with a social worker

Ask your nurse or clinical trial coordinator what’s available.

5. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

It’s okay if you can’t do everything. Treatment takes energy. It’s okay to say no to extra tasks that demand your time and energy. You are not being lazy—you are paying attention to what you need to prioritize your treatment and wellbeing.

Listen to your body and be sure to talk to your doctor if you find yourself struggling with being tired or any other side effects you are experiencing.

6. Make Time for Things You Enjoy

Even 5–10 minutes of something you love like listening to music, taking a walk, watching a funny video, or knitting can help you feel more like you.

7. Share Your Feelings

It’s normal to feel scared or anxious about asking for help. Talking to someone you trust—your doctor, a friend, a family member, a counselor, or another person in treatment—may help.

Many people say that just having someone listen makes them feel supported.

8. Ask for Help

If asking for help feels hard, consider using a shared online calendar to list small tasks like school pickups, dog walking, or meal drop-offs. It lets friends and family choose what works for them. Asking for emotional, physical, or practical support is a sign of strength. Tools like Lotsa Helping Hands and Meal Train make it easy to organize help and let others show up in ways that matter.

9. Bring a Buddy to Appointments

A trusted friend or family member can help take notes, remember what the doctor says, ask questions for you, or just be there for support. If they can’t be there in person, have them join by video or speaker phone if this is something your doctor will allow. It can make a difference.

10. One Day at a Time

There’s no “right” way to do this—only the way that works best for you. Taking it one day at a time might be helpful.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to your care team. They want to help you succeed, not just in the trial, but in your everyday life too.

Final Thoughts

Taking part in a clinical trial may help researchers learn more about cancer and lead to better care and additional treatment options for others in the future.

Being in a clinical trial isn’t always easy. Talk to your doctor if you need more information or support.

*Websites identified in this article as potential resources for patients and care partners are for informational purposes only. They are third party independent organizations and Puma does not endorse or vouch for the accuracy of the information provided on any of these websites.

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