One thing is for sure: you will not stand watching your loved ones harshly dealing with breast cancer on their own every day. And for those who wonder what to do in such situation: the following tips may help.
Providing support during treatment
So painful the treatment can be that your loved one may feel anxious as well as fatigue. Taking care of, going with them to the hospital, providing them with emotional support are things you can do. They truly need those encouragements to combat the disease.
Going to appointments
It is better if you can go with them to the appointments. You can back them up with any help during their treatment session or look after their belongings that are not allowed in the treating room. Also, you should take notes when the doctor gives advice since your loved one may be unable to remember all. You can prepare a list of questions to ask the doctor about the disease condition. The answers may help you understand better about the treatment process.
Being prepared for changes
Living with breast cancer and receiving treatment gives you loved one big changes. They may experience hair loss, weight loss, skin problems, inflammation in the breast, and scars. Breast cancer medications and radiotherapy may drain and sometimes get on their nerves.
You should be prepared for such situations. Besides helping in balancing rest and exercises, you should always tell them that she still looks good and everything will improve over time. You can accept the changes, so can they.
Taking part in support group
There are support groups for people with breast cancer and families in your community. Your loved one may find out the people who are fighting the same disease in those groups. There, everyone shares many things in common, thus helps one another overcome and live happily.
Support groups can also provide realistic experiences, knowledge, and information about the cancer treatment. They’ve got the ways to get to know the patients and make them share. You may learn and apply those when necessary.
Remember to find a group that your loved one feels comfortable to take part in.
Taking care of yourself
You have to be strong to take care of your loved one and provide proper support when they need. Try to eat healthily, do exercises, and get enough sleep. You can spend some time for yourself, but do not escape from the situation. And do not feel guilty about treating yourself; you need rest to prepare for the battle ahead.
And if your loved one refuses treatment
Some people decide not to have any treatment for their breast cancer. So, what will you do if your loved one does not want to receive treatment method?
You may not agree with that decision, but take time to listen to the patient who is directly struggling with the disease. Respect any of their reasons and thoughts. Then it’s time to have more sharing with them about their choosing not to get medication intervention. You also need to raise your thinking about the choice. Ask them whether they want more consultations from the doctor for any reconsideration.
No matter what your loved one chooses, to receive or refuse treatment, you need to be their loyal supporter.
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