5 things to say to a loved one with breast cancer.

Here at Sister & Soul we  are proud to partner with the National Breast Cancer Foundation to raise money for research. So far, we have been able to donate over $4,700 and we are excited to  see that number increase as we continue to keep the pink parade going! When we say, pink parade, we mean ‘The Pink collection’, beautiful pieces created to inspire courage and bravery in women. 

When a loved one is diagnosed with breast cancer, it can be difficult to know how to support them; what to do? what to say? It’s ok if you feel this way. Breast cancer is a beast that each diagnosed woman tackles differently.  However, we who wish to care for someone with breast cancer, can use these ‘5 things to say’ as a guide to make sure your loved one feels upheld by love.

1. HOW CAN I HELP YOU?

Breast cancer interrupts every aspect of life. Routine is often thrown into disarray. Seemingly everyday things, like picking the kids up from school, household chores and afternoon routines come to a halt. It is important to ask this question before you try to help so your loved one doesn't feel like you are being invasive. You could offer to drive your loved one to a doctor's appointment, care for children, make meals, do the weekly grocery shopping or do a few loads of washing. 

2. DO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT?

Some women want and need to talk about what is going on in their body. Others do not. Asking your loved one if it is ok to talk about it before you do shows that you are sensitive to her needs. It puts your loved one in the power seat. It gives them the option on how much air time they want to give to their experience. Talking about it may make them feel like they are consumed by the disease when all they want is to get on with normality as best as they can.

3. I’M LISTENING.

Sometimes all your loved one will need is a listening ear. In order to process everything they are going through, not only physically, but physiologically and emotionally, they may need someone to sit, lean in, listen and validate what they are feeling without judgement, offering advice or attempting to lift their spirits. Patients do not need to be told everything is ok. They need to know that no matter the outcome you will be by their side, listening and bearing witness to their fight. 

4. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.

Your loved one may lose her hair during treatment. She may lose or put on weight. Her skin and nails may change. She may experience swelling or even the loss of a body part. It is important that she knows she is still beautiful. She may appreciate the gift of beautiful clothes, jewellery or fragrances to assist in enhancing the way she feels about herself. Let her know, you still see her beauty in this hard season.

5. I LOVE YOU.

There is nothing like hearing the words ‘I love you’. Feeling loved and cherished while fighting breast cancer is something all diagnosed women deserve. Remember to give her lots of hugs, if hugs are what she needs. Rub her feet or give her a hand massage if she enjoys physical touch. Look her in the eye when talking and listening to her. Show her that she is seen, known and heard.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash