Breast cancer can require many different treatments that can cause body image issues, mood changes, and intense side effects from chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment for breast cancer leaves most patients feeling tired and in need of extra support.
At the same time, as your loved one is going through all of these changes and challenges, it is highly likely you may wonder how you can support them. Let’s take a look at some ways you can best support your partner as they navigate their breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Acknowledge any feelings that arise. The first step in managing emotions is acknowledgment. Once your partner expresses a feeling, you can provide emotional validation to help your partner feel understood and supported. It’s important to recognize and normalize feelings, not invalidate them or talk your partner out of emotions. Manage emotions. As you talk through emotions with your partner, remember that acknowledging emotions will not make the feelings go away. Consider seeing a therapist, together or separate, to help manage challenging emotions and to receive support from a neutral party trained in these difficult scenarios.
Remember that you may also experience emotional stress through this process. Take time to navigate your collective emotions together.
Before treatment, you can talk with your partner’s doctor to understand all pre-operative instructions. These could include:
Not eating or drinking after midnight before surgeryEating healthier and exercising moreStopping smoking or avoiding alcoholRequired pre-surgical testing, imaging, or procedures
During and after treatment, you may need to:
Learn how to take care of a surgical wound (if your partner had surgery). Understand what to watch for (like an infection) that requires immediate care. Take steps to manage treatment side effects, such as nausea after chemotherapy or fatigue caused by hormone therapies. Help with basic physical tasks, such as bathing or grooming, as your partner recovers.
Choose nutritious food. This may not be easy to do when you or your partner are stressed, fatigued, or nauseated from chemotherapy. Taking time to prepare nutrient-dense small meals in advance or arranging a meal train with the assistance of friends can be extremely beneficial when feeling overwhelmed. Exercise. After cancer treatment, your partner may not feel like walking or exercising. When your partner is cleared for physical activity, one of the best things you can do is take an active role in helping them in this return to exercise and physical activity.
Keep the lines of communication open with your partner. Allowing them to share their feelings and fears with you can support their emotional health and help you work together through the process.
As feelings run strong, there will be times when you and your partner experience a myriad of emotions. Providing support to your partner during these times is critical.
Things to consider include childcare, grocery shopping and meals, house cleaning, and how you will work with your spouse’s employer (or your own) while you cope with cancer.
If your partner manages your monthly bills, it’s important to communicate about household finances so you can manage them if necessary while your partner undergoes treatment.
Planning a budget—including making a plan for emergency funds should you need them—is an important step in this process. Having financial peace of mind will give your partner one less thing to worry about as they focus on their health.
Being a strong advocate means many things, including:
Learning about your partner’s cancer and asking questions regarding treatments and next steps Taking notes during medical appointments Staying organized with paperwork, such as bills, prescriptions, lab reports, and more Keeping a calendar of appointments, tracking medication, and maintaining contact with the care team Acting in your partner’s best interest and ensuring they get the care they want and need Following up with doctors and other providers as needed Encouraging your partner to be their own advocate and take an active approach to their care
Remember that you’re not alone. Seek support from friends and relatives. Not all of them may step up to assist, but you will be surprised at what some people will do if you ask. Seek their help in driving to appointments, staying with your partner while you’re at work, or doing errands you ordinarily do but don’t have time for anymore. Manage your reactions. Everyone has a different response towards learning of someone’s cancer diagnosis. Some people will avoid the situation, cry, appear angry, or ignore the situation altogether. You can’t control their reactions, but you can control your reactions to them.
At the same time, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Remember what flight attendants tell us when boarding a flight? Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.
