Helping Someone with Breast Cancer

Friends and family may not know what to do when someone is diagnosed with cancer.  This article has great suggestions on how to help.

I found the following things to be of most help to me. 

Gift Cards
Money is a worry.  Medical bills are expensive and many individuals lose time at work and end up with reduced paychecks due to surgery and treatment.  Gift cards to restaurants that deliver are wonderful.  Sometimes you just don't feel like cooking so ordering delivery is a blessing.  Gift cards to Walmart or Target are also helpful for over-the-counter medicines, lip balm, baby shampoo, nutritional drinks, hand sanitizer, and other needed items.  Gas cards are especially great for those who need to travel for treatment.

Lawn Care
My suggestion is to not even ask.  Just show up and mow the lawn.  Pick up sticks, clear weeds, shovel snow, or anything else that needs to be done.

Children & Caregivers
Remember the children and caregivers.  Offer to take the kids to and from school, athletic events, and church.  Offer to sit with the person fighting cancer so the caregiver can have a break.  Offer to take the kids to the park or to a movie so they can get out of the house and just be regular kids for a while.  Ask the children and caregivers how THEY are doing; do not just talk about the patient.

Cards and Gifts
Getting cards and letters was a blessing.  It was great to know that people are thinking about you.  Gifts of items that cancer patients can use were very helpful.  Items I found most helpful were lip balm for sensitive skin, unscented lotion for sensitive skin, single serve snacks, pocket tissues, baby shampoo, fuzzy non-skid socks, and cups with straws.  Other items were great, too, especially those intended for my child.

Prayer
Let the patient know you are praying for them.  Ask if it is ok to add them to public prayer lists and then follow through to do so.  There is power in prayer.

There are many other ways you can help someone with cancer.  I also enjoyed prayer shawls, phone calls, messages on social media, scarves, wigs, and numerous other items.  Talk to the patient and see what she needs.  Many times all she needs is someone to listen while she talks or a shoulder to cry on.