Are you a survivor? Are you currently battling breast cancer? Has someone close to you been diagnosed with breast cancer? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you could benefit by reading this.
Here are some ideas to help:
- First, if you aren't very close to the patient, (as friends, not distance), make sure it is okay that you call them to let them know you are there to talk or listen. Ask a family member or a close friend.
- When and if you do talk with them, do not overpower their stories or feelings. For example, if they are complaining about nausea from chemotherapy, do not tell them that you had it worse. They need some sympathy.
- If you feel that they are giving-up the fight, encourage them, let them know you are there to fight with them. The mental angle is as important as the physical.
- Loan a book or give them any information you may have gotten during your ordeal.
- Loan, donate or buy them hats, wigs or scarves. You might want to do this before the hair loss begins.
- Offer to help with kids, if applicable.
- Offer to drive them to treatments or doctor's appointments if they do not have any family that can help.
- Offer to take duties off the spouse/significant other so they can be free to sit, talk or just be near the patient.
- DO NOT TELL HORROR STORIES. The LAST thing a person just diagnosed needs to hear is that you know someone that has passed away from the disease.
- Tell them success stories!
- Try to get them involved in a support group whether it be online or in person.
- Celebrate triumphs, milestones! A good example would be the last chemotherapy session.
- Be there or nearby for emotionally bad days. You may or may not be able to do all of the above. Even helping by doing one is of great help to the patient and the family. There are many ways, other than helping a close friend or family member, to help fight breast cancer.
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