Supporting Someone With Breast Cancer

Supporting Someone With Breast Cancer

Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be one of the scariest times in someone's life. Not only can it be confusing but also isolating. So being there for someone you care for who has been diagnosed is extremely important. It can be anyone— a friend, colleague, or loved one.

There are many ways to be supportive of someone with breast cancer; you can be there for someone practically and be there for them emotionally. At first, you may not know what to say or do that will help but standing by their side and listening to what they need, and struggle with, is a great place to start. 

Practical Help:

Someone diagnosed with breast cancer and has to undergo treatment may be experiencing side effects that impair their ability to function normally. By being a support for someone, you can help them with everyday tasks in their lives, such as cleaning, laundry, cooking for them, or running errands. While these may seem like simple tasks, people receiving assistance with them may mean more than you know to someone struggling. Another way to show your support and help someone you know who has breast cancer is to take them to their doctor appointments and even stay with them if they feel comfortable with this. Going to the doctor alone can be very difficult and emotionally draining, so having someone by your side can feel like a weight lifted off your shoulders. 

Emotional Help:

While practical support is important, being there for your loved one emotionally can sometimes take an even greater burden off their shoulders. The most important thing to do when being there for someone emotionally is to listen. Listen to what they feel and need from you and your relationship during this difficult time. Being by their side and allowing them to express their true emotions is one of the best ways to support someone. Knowing that people you care about are there for you and in your corner is especially important. While you may have your own emotions surrounding the situation, trying to be yourself is important. While so much of someone's life may be chaotic because of doctors' appointments, treatment, and just the stress of the diagnosis, it helps some people to know that they are viewed differently just because of their diagnosis. 

While you may not understand exactly what your loved one is going through or feeling like, they must know that they are not alone. So whether you are there for someone by cooking a meal to ease some stress or are on the other end of a midnight phone call, there are many ways to make someone feel supported and loved during such a difficult time.

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