PHOTO GALLERY: Debra Oliver takes care of her husband, David Oliver

December 12, 2012 | 6:00 a.m. CST

Debra Oliver, a professor at the MU School of Medicine, became the primary caregiver for her husband, David Oliver, after he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2011.

David Oliver, left, holds his dog Chewy as Debra Oliver, his wife, rubs lotion on his legs Monday. David was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in September 2011, and Debra became his primary caregiver. She said rubbing lotion on his legs is something she often does. | Bridget Murphy

Debra Oliver works on a paper about problems caregivers have with pain management as her dog, Chewy, sits next to her Monday. Oliver is a professor at the MU School of Medicine, where she does research about caregivers and palliative care. | Bridget Murphy

Debra Oliver, right, gives her husband, David Oliver, medication Monday. David is a retired MU professor. | Bridget Murphy

Debra and David Oliver look at a video that discusses being a caregiver Monday. The video is posted on David's Cancer Videoblog, which has had more than 50,000 views. | Bridget Murphy