Supporting A Loved One With Breast Cancer

Share |

Do you live with a loved family member diagnosed with breast cancer? Perhaps you have breast cancer, and are looking for education and support for members of your family helping you cope with cancer.

This article will help you find resources and the information you need to support a family member, and provide information for family members in general combating breast cancer as a group cause.

Family and Friends Make a Difference for Breast Cancer Survivors and Patients
You may not realize it, but there is more to treating breast cancer than treating a disease alone. While your medical doctor can provide you with valuable information and education about treating your disease, this information will only help you during part of your recovery.

The most important part of getting well is having a strong support system, a group of people including your family and friends that you can rely on in times of need. If you are a patient that is battling the war on cancer, here are some ideas you can use to involve your family and friends in your fight against breast cancer.

  • First, ask your family and friends for help. Many patients do not want to do this because they have concerns they will become a "burden" to others. This couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, having a strong support network of reliable friends and family will be critical to your survival when battling cancer.


  • Don't rely on just one person for support. When you ask for help, make sure you make it a group effort. No one person is going to be available all the time, but if you build a network, or a team of people responsible for supporting you, then your chances for survival are greatest.


  • Try a support group. Often it helps most to talk with others who are battling breast cancer or other cancers affecting women. There are many online and offline support centers allowing members to chat with each other. You may find this support more helpful than all the other help you receive in your fight against cancer. Family members can also find support from other family members and friends supporting cancer patients by getting involved with support groups.


  • Do not be afraid to ask for what you need. So many women with breast cancer concern themselves with caring for others, when their primary concern should be caring for themselves. If you NEED something specific, whether that is someone to talk to, a hug, a shoulder to cry on, someone to drive you to a chemotherapy session and help you recover, then ask someone for that type of help specifically. Most people can't read minds. Family members should also look for support groups or therapists that can help them cope with specific problems addressing their needs. Remember, ask and you shall receive, but if you don't ask, how will you receive?


  • Create a journal. This is a valuable support source for friends, family members and cancer patients and survivors. You can write down your thoughts, emotions, worries and concerns in a journal. You can create a journal online or keep a small notebook handy. You can also use it to remind you of important dates or triumphs in your battle against cancer. For many people, writing is very therapeutic, so take advantage of it and use this tool to help you when you have a need.

Whether you have breast cancer or support someone with breast cancer, you are not alone. Be sure you find the support you need so you get better faster, and stay healthier in the best way you can. Everyone needs a helping hand some time in their lives; don't hesitate to ask for it when you need it most...