According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 8 women living in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in their life. This staggering statistic means that you most likely will known someone who is diagnosed with breast cancer. That person may feel alone and scared. There are a few things you can do to help your friend as she goes through her breast cancer treatments. This will provide her with the help and support she needs to experience a full recovery.
Be a Good Listener
First and foremost, your friend is going to need someone who can just listen. Make a date to get together for a cup of tea and be that shoulder to cry on if needed. Let your friend discuss her breast cancer treatment options and the pros and cons for each. Validate her feelings and perhaps offer additional questions for the doctor that will help her make a decision.
Help Create a Schedule
There are days after your friend's breast cancer treatments when she won't be feeling well. Help by creating a schedule that will put her mind at ease so she can focus on resting and getting better. Take her kids to basketball practice, cook the family meals, or pick up her medications from the pharmacy. Perhaps she'll need assistance with laundry or other household chores. You can do this yourself if you have the time, or simply prepare the schedule and recruit others to help.
Handle Updates
It can be exhausting having to repeat the same information over and over again. You can jump in and be the liaison between your friend and her family, coworkers, and other friends. Set up a group email, or a blog where you can easily post updates. You can also use this platform to let the group know of any needs your friend may have.
Prepare Care Packages
There are times when your friend may end up remaining in the hospital for a few days or longer. When this happens you can prepare a care package to take to her. Include necessities like a toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as a few fun items. Books, magazines, and crossword puzzles are great and don't forget a cute stuffed animal for comfort.
Support a Cure
Another great way to help your friend is to support a cure for breast cancer. Sign up to run a race on her behalf, or donate financially to fund educational programs or scientific research.
For more ideas, talk to a cancer treatment center like Southwest Oncology Centers.
Share15 March 2016
After watching my mother navigate treatment for breast cancer in my early teens, I knew pretty much what to expect from my dad's diagnosis with prostate cancer. What I didn't know was how different chemotherapy and radiation can affect different people. My mother became very ill while my dad seemed to weather the treatments with few ill effects. I spent a long time researching the differences in treatments, types of chemotherapy, and how each one can react differently with the body. I created this blog to help others understand the same things, because I knew I couldn't be the only one unfamiliar with it. I hope it helps you if someone you love is facing treatment for any type of cancer.
