Especially for Caregivers
Support is so important for those dealing with breast cancer. In addition to local
support groups, you may find comfort in these Web sites:
American Cancer Society resources provide
information especially for caregivers on topics such as coping, how to provide care,
and connecting with other caregivers.
http://www.cancer.org/
Breast Cancer Network of Strength provides
support for caregivers with information including useful tips to help yourself and
your loved one deal with cancer. Their Partner Match program provides support for
husbands and partners from other men.
http://www.networkofstrength.org/
Cancer Care
CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional
support services for anyone affected by cancer, including access to online support
groups.
http://www.cancercare.org/
The Cancer Supportive Care Program contains
a wealth of information on various topics, including anemia, nutrition, fatigue,
and pain control.
http://www.cancersupportivecare.com/
Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)
is an organization for women at high risk for breast cancer due to genetics (BRCA
gene positive) or family history.
http://www.facingourrisk.org/
Gilda's Club, Inc. provides emotional
and social support for cancer patients, caregivers, and families. Children's support
programs, networking groups, workshops, and lectures are available.
http://www.gildasclub.org/
Mothers Supporting Daughters with Breast Cancer
is a resource for the mothers of women who have breast cancer. The group provides
support and links to helpful sites.
http://www.mothersdaughters.org/
Onco Link is a resource from the Abramson
Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania that provides a "Coping With Cancer"
section that offers support and resources for caregivers.
http://www.oncolink.upenn.edu/
Vital Options International®, Inc.
offers psychological and social support for patients and families by using communications
technology. This nonprofit organization holds The Group Room®, a
nationally syndicated call-in radio show each week that is simulcast live on the
Web.
http://www.vitaloptions.org/
The Wellness Community offers education and
emotional support to cancer patients and their families. The program includes support
groups, stress-reduction techniques, cancer education workshops, exercise tips,
and social events.
http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org/
While you help care for someone with cancer, it’s important that you take good care
of yourself, too – in both body and mind. These tips from the National Cancer Institute
may help:
Six steps to staying healthy
- Stay on schedule with your own medical needs: checkups, screenings and tests.
- Keep taking your medicines as prescribed. To save time, ask your doctor for extra
refills, and try to have your medicines delivered.
- Maintain healthy eating habits – for your sake, and your loved one’s. If your loved
one is hospitalized, or has long medical appointments, bring along easily packable
sandwiches, salads, and fruits.
- Get plenty of rest. If sleep is a continuing problem, talk with your doctor.
- Stay active. Enjoy any kind of physical activity at least 15 minutes per day: walking,
gardening, cleaning or just going up and down stairs can help.
- Manage stress. Giving yourself time to relax is an important part of self-care.
Read, talk on the phone, stretch, or whatever helps you unwind.
Caregivers have rights, too. These affirmations (author unknown) may comfort and
support you while you do the same for your loved one.
