Recently, my best freind's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have known this family my whole life and this news has taken me by surprise. I want to help and say the right thing, but I don't know what to say because I myself am shocked. Any suggestions on what I could do or if you are a breast cancer survivor, what can I say that will help her??
2007-04-10 13:07:14 · 9 answers · asked by rmu07 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
What ever you do don't ignore her. Tell her you support her in what ever she wants to do. Encourage her let her know she is still a beautiful person.
2007-04-10 13:15:29 · answer #1 · answered by Reta, Bears mommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is so difficult when you see a friend or loved one diagnosed with breast cancer. I think the best thing you can do , is give her all the support and love, you can give. If she does not mind, go to the Dr.s office with her, and be there for her. You can do research on the net on breast cancer as there is a wealth of information out there to help her understand this disease, and what all the terminology means. I unfortunately lost my wife to this disease, 6 years ago, although my mother was a survivor from breast cancer. I was with my wife at all her Dr's. visits, chemo, radiation, I was there. What her friends and I did was make her happy, comfortable, and that is all anybody can do. Every type of cancer is a little different, and when you catch it in time, you have an excellent chance of survival. Let your friend know that. When she goes to the Dr. make sure somebody is with her at all times, because they tell you stuff, and you forget, so it helps to be there. Take care.
2007-04-10 13:23:15 · answer #2 · answered by Ron 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've had great answers from all, so become educated - it will help you relate to what is going on. Be there to help around the home, or just be a smiling face in a sea of worried ones. Everyone fights differently, so be flexible. Even her acceptance of this process will change as she accepts and learns about her specific treatments and needs. If you think of something that would make you happy or smile- I am sure it would do the same for her. Most women are most impacted by hair loss, she may or may not experience this but if she does support her comfort level in whether she chooses wigs or scarves. Be open and honest along the way with your feelings and it will be respected. If you take this walk with your friend you may find she is most in need of support. She may be afraid to discuss this with her mother and in turn withdraw, so be there for her needs as well as the mother's.
This is truly something that never affects one but many, as you well feel. It will be the simplest of things you do or say that will mean the most, and just being there even in silence can be more impactful than ever imagined.
2007-04-11 06:12:07 · answer #3 · answered by housrkomen 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a 3 year breast cancer survivor. Some of the things you can do is to help with house chores, cook a meal, do a load of laundry...once your friends mom starts chemo (if she has to have chemo, my sister didn't) she may have some days when all she wants to do is sleep, so any help with housework groceries, etc, will be very much appreciated. Also, if you are crafty, you might want to make a pretty scarf or hat for her. Make sure it is really soft, because bald scalps are really sensitive.
I found that keeping a good sense of humor helped a lot. My sister sent me this great T-Shirt that said, "With a Body Like This, Who Needs Hair" I wore it to work and made all my co-workers smile too.
Good luck
2007-04-10 14:12:14 · answer #4 · answered by knittinmama 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some times just a hug without words speak louder than words. Trust me she will know how much this is hurting you. It's not what you say that really matters, just the fact that you are there, will help her out allot.
I am a 14 year survivor, what got me though it all was my faith in God. I know some people will say that is nuts and don't push your religion on me, but I am a believer in miracles. I am one.
I found that eating right and taking a few vitamins help. They are CoQ10, vitamin E, and most important selenium it keeps the cancer from coming back 200 mg on the selenium.
to knittinm congrad on your 3 years.
2007-04-11 17:43:39 · answer #5 · answered by Diane T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to help someone through an illness is to be there for them. If she were more closely related to you, you could join her in sessions at the doctor, but as your friend's mother, it may be awkward.
The best way to help is to just let her know that you're there for her. Whenever you're with your friend and see her, just engage in some conversation, make her feel like you are with her, despite the disease. Whatever you do, please don't avoid her, especially if she has recently lost her hair during chemo. Don't let her feel neglected.
2007-04-10 13:30:03 · answer #6 · answered by girismyfriend831 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no right or wrong answer for this. Simply telling her that you are keeping her in your thoughts is a kind gesture. If you do want to do more, you can send kind notes or words of encouragement, help with meals if she becomes ill, or offer any other things to help out.
2007-04-10 13:17:17 · answer #7 · answered by chic-chik 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being a friend is the best for her and her family..give her Mom a hug now and then and let her know that you will be by her side..if she needs help with anything or if you do there are groups online to help...
We are there to help ...so please join us and talk...there are alot of wonderful women in this group...take care and always remember we are all sisters...best of luck to you and her family
breast_cancer_support_group@
yahoogroups.com
2007-04-11 04:55:05 · answer #8 · answered by Maggiemay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you cant really say anything but you can do a run for her!!!
( liek you know a brest canser run)
2007-04-10 13:11:24 · answer #9 · answered by just meeee 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋