2006-09-12 21:15:06 · 12 answers · asked by FiaFia 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
My Mom had breast cancer in 1999, and ended up having to have one breast completely removed After going through chemo and then radiation for a while, she has been cancer free since.
A lot of it has to do with her state of mind before the surgery.She needs to go into this KNOWING that she'll come out fine.
Some Insurance Companies will even pay for breast augmentation since it's not elective surgery.
I can only imagine how scared she must be right now. But you need to know too that she's going to need you there afterwards also. Her recovery time, of course will depend on her strength. I know my Mom didn't feel like eating at all. We had to make her, even if it was only a few bites of something. Prepare for her to throw up a lot too. It's all normal.And, she will be in pain for a couple of weeks afterwards. She will definitely need someone to help her. You're a very good friend to go through this with her.
But if a 70 something year old woman can get through it, so will your friend,( even though you didn't mention her age. I'm just assuming that she is younger )
My Mom today has so much energy, she can run circles around us ! She had to go in for check ups pretty often at first, but she only goes once a year now. It's changed her completely ! She has a much better sense of humor, and understands what others go through also.
Just stay by her, make sure she eats properly in order to be as healthy as possible before the surgery, and be a good listener.
Good luck, and God bless both of you.Trust in Him.....prayers work miracles ! I'll say a prayer for both of you also.
2006-09-12 23:08:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simply letting her know that you care and will be there for her is the best way of all.
Your friend is going through a grieving process as well as all of the medical stuff, grieving her breasts and her loss of normal health. She may still be in a bit of shock and not ready to say much. Do much more listening than talking. Offer practical help like meals, childcare, hosehold help, shopping and so forth. Be understanding if she is into some of the grief stages of denial, anger, bargaining , depression and eventually acceptance.
Don't hang crepe and talk a lot about death, since excellent treatment exists, but be realistic as well and don't minimize her fears. You know your friends and should know how she normally copes with problems and support her the same way you would for any other issue.
Normalcy is important, too. So is honesty and willingness to listen. She will need lots of attention in these early stages, but please don't forget about her six or nine months a=or more down the line when she is still going through treatment and still scared.
I even found a good resource for helping. It's called "When your best friend has breast cancer" and can be found at:
http://www.swedish.org/17404.cfm
2006-09-12 21:33:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Entertain her. Hospitals are boring places where you have little to do but dwell on your pain. This procedure will be painful. Although medical pain management has vastly improved in recent years, nothing works as well as distraction for making you forget the experience of pain.
Down the line, don't let your friendship slip. If she doesn't want to do the things you used to do, encourage her or suggest alternatives, This can be a trauma to identity. It's easy to isolate yourself from depression, pain, and unwarranted shame. Make sure she doesn't fall into that trap. Similarly, many people are uncomfortable around the sick, out of fear of contagion (which does not apply) and the reminder of their own mortality, Educate yourself and be aware if this so you don't show your fears.
Her doctors can help her survive. You can help her live.
2006-09-12 21:57:04 · answer #3 · answered by novangelis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
breast cancer is one of the few cancers when removed gives a total cure to a patient. its not like other areas where it can grow back. moreover she can have an implant after surgery so she is much younger again
2006-09-12 21:55:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let her know what a great friend she has been to you and what her friendship means to you. Write her a poem, bring her some flowers or make her a cd of her favorite music. When she is well enough if you can afford it take her shopping for a new article of clothing and lunch.
2006-09-12 21:25:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would be helpful to ask after her surgery if she needs you to do any errands for her, or housecleaning or if she has kids, if you can take them out for a while to let her rest. Bring her DVD movies to watch and see if there is anything you can do to let her rest while she heals from this surgery and gets ready to face the next step in her treatment.
2006-09-13 12:29:10 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
her apperence is not the reason you love her as a friend so much make sure that you let her know that and there is always reconstructive for her breasts so she can feel mors like a whole again It is tough but GOOD LUCK AND PRAYERS
2006-09-12 21:18:57 · answer #7 · answered by ru2tipsy2c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do your best as a friend to keep her mind off of it. Entertain her.
Give her things (non and materialistic) that would put a smile on her face.
A good laugh would be the best cure for anything.
2006-09-12 21:23:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Console her thru prayers. Read her the verses from 'The Holy Bible', chapter 'ROMANS : 8 : 26 - 31. I ll pray for her.
2006-09-12 21:25:27 · answer #9 · answered by dina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i know 5 women that have gone 10yrs. or more they have a lot more cures today for breast cancer just be there for her when she gets down let her know she is special and your there for her
2006-09-12 21:28:03 · answer #10 · answered by purple_puma 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋