Breast Cancer Support

Hi Everyone,

Our writers are working on a series about how others can help when you, or a loved one, are faced with one of life’s challenges such as cancer, grief, surgery, chronic pain, insomnia, etc. and would like your input.  What we’d like to know is:

1. What are some appropriate and helpful gifts?
2. What words do you like to hear from friends and loved ones regarding your condition?
3. What can friends and loved ones do for you to help provide support?
4. Finally - what should people NOT give, say or do? Any hot buttons? Inappropriate gifts, words, actions?

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1. What are some appropriate and helpful gifts?  Meals are a biggy with me, help with cleaning, lawn work, keeping me company (just not so much that I am not getting my rest, short visits are best unless the person requests longer visits)
2. What words do you like to hear from friends and loved ones regarding your condition?  That they are thinking about me, and praying for me.  
3. What can friends and loved ones do for you to help provide support? Keep me in touch with "normal" things going on in the world
4. Finally - what should people NOT give, say or do? Any hot buttons? Inappropriate gifts, words, actions?  This might sounds self centered but when I am in the midst of all this, it's not that i am totally unsympathetic, but don't tell me about your monthly cramps or headache you have.    Do not discount what I am going through, and lately, I have to tell you, I am getting sick of people telling me how strong I am.   

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Ah, the "you're so strong", I totally get that.  I'm not going through cancer, but I've had some other things going on and have heard that a lot and I agree, you get tired of hearing it, especially when you're not feeling strong but you know you have no choice in the matter.

Thank you for sharing what does and doesn't help.  :)