Supporting our friends
(1-4 of 4)
(1-4 of 4)
Friends of WPFT- Last Online: Jul 24 2009
Discussion
Supporting our friends
What is the best way to help breast cancer patients who are still going through treatment, or reeling from the diagnosis? Share your tips for supporting loved ones, whether it's from near or far.
Bill Shafer- Last Online: Feb 01 2012
KatyW- Last Online: Sep 23 2011
Mary Mahoney- Last Online: Jan 18 2012
Discussion
I think the first thing is not to be afraid to stay in contact. Don't worry about "disturbing" someone. Many times that voice on the phone or that visitor is the highlight of the day. If it's too much, believe me, you'll be told! Cancer is not malaria! Stay close, stay in touch... just STAY!!!
Discussion
I think it's best to ask questions. It can be strange to ask even loved ones intimate and personal questions, but it's better than ignoring potential issues. I learned that lesson when talking to a woman I had met for the first time. She was undergoing chemo and had lost her hair. We talked for 45 minutes -- all the while, she was wearing a pink wig.
I never asked about it ... and at the end, she asked me why not. I told her I didn't want to embarrass her or put her on the spot. She said, "the hair is gone and there's nothing I can do about it. If you ask me about it, I'll tell you the story and then we can move on. Since you didn't, I felt like it was just hanging over us the whole time."
Point is, if the woman is uncomfortable talking about it, she can tell you -- but at least she knows you care enough to ask.
I never asked about it ... and at the end, she asked me why not. I told her I didn't want to embarrass her or put her on the spot. She said, "the hair is gone and there's nothing I can do about it. If you ask me about it, I'll tell you the story and then we can move on. Since you didn't, I felt like it was just hanging over us the whole time."
Point is, if the woman is uncomfortable talking about it, she can tell you -- but at least she knows you care enough to ask.
Discussion
I agree with Katy. The other night, I attended a reception at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando, for the Orlando Rowing Club and Team Survivor Orlando. It was an incredible night meeting two groups who shared so much in common, but had never met before. Many members of Team Survivor were actively undergoing treatment for breast cancer and they openly talked about their experiences and by asking them questions, you immediately felt like you had made an important connection with them. These women were really quite extraordinary.