Blog

Oct 10, 2019

Offer Practical Support

Caring for someone with breast cancer can be incredibly difficult. Be prepared for changes in your loved one's behavior and mood. Medications, side effects from treatment, and stress may make them feel depressed, angry, or tired. They are going through a life-changing time in their life and important to be there for them.

Encourage them to be active and to do as much for themselves as possible. It will help them feel a sense of control. Try not to take away their feeling of independence by offering practical support. Rather than asking what you can do for them, ask them if you can perform specific tasks like cleaning and vacuuming, clothes washing and ironing, gardening, cooking meals for freezing, transport to and from hospital appointments, taking children to or from school, babysitting.

Offer Emotional Support

Somone finding out they have breast cancer and going through treatment is bound to create a variety of emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, and depression. Being emotionally supportive will help them cope with these emotions that are likely to change day to day and hour by hour. Just being by their side will be immensely helpful. 

Care For Yourself

Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. Be sure you get enough sleep, eat well, and take some time off for yourself. If you stay well, it will be easier to help your loved one. As the saying goes, ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup.’

Find a support system for yourself such as family and friends. It’s ok to ask for help and ultimately benefits the person you’re caring for. 

Acknowledge your own emotions while you’re caring for someone. Your feelings and stress levels are equally as valid as theirs. Speaking with a professional counselor can help you cope.