Breast Cancer Support

Breast cancer can be a devastating diagnosis for most patients. People who hear the words "you have breast cancer" can experience a myriad of emotions: fear, anger, betrayal, powerlessness, resentment and loneliness. More than anything, patients need support and encouragement. As a friend or loved one, this is where you can make a difference.
If you are reading this fact sheet, you're already ahead of the game. You can help your loved one by following these suggestions:
Listen. More than anything, newly diagnosed patients need someone to listen. They need to express their fears and process mountains of information. If you need to have an emotional outburst--and you will--please don't do it in front of a newly diagnosed person. Talk to another friend instead.
Offer a shoulder to cry on. At the appropriate time, you might remind them that many people survive this diagnosis, and many live to a ripe old age.
Don't ever say what you would do in their situation. The fact is, you're not in the same situation and you may not know what choices you would make. They will need to talk and be heard. Every situation is different. There are many different kinds of breast cancer and many different decisions to make regarding treatment options.
Give advice only when asked. You might instead offer to do research on treatment options for more information on the disease. You may also offer to research oncologists or treatment centers and help your loved one find a good match with a healthcare provider.
Offer to accompany your friend to doctor's appointments. Suggest taping doctor's discussions. Doctors give a lot of information during those first appointments, and it can often be difficult to digest and remember the entire discussion, especially when your loved one is going through such an emotional time. Help prepare a list of questions for the doctor. Offer to drive your friend to and from treatments, as well.
Organize friends and family to help with household needs such as babysitting, housecleaning and food preparation. This will give your friend the personal time they need right now.
Get support for yourself when you need to. If you are the primary caretaker for your loved one, this can be emotionally and physically draining for you at times. Try to take regular breaks and do things that you enjoy.
Become proactive! Help change the reality of 1 woman out of every 8 developing breast cancer in her lifetime. Get involved! Join a task force! There are several reputable organizations in the United States that can provide patients and loved one with a sense of empowerment and purpose.