One in seven women will develop breast cancer and will eventually start the challenging journey toward recovery. This involves undergoing therapies and treatments that can be exhausting not only for her but also for her partner. Supporting her through this trying time is crucial, though it can be difficult to know exactly how to help.
Every situation varies, so any advice needs to be tailored, but there are general guidelines you can follow to support her in different ways. She’ll be scared; your role is to help her feel safe.
Don’t Try to Fix Her
When dealing with your partner’s breast cancer, the first thing to do is to let go of the urge to control the situation. Understand that there is no quick fix for her cancer. She’s in it for the long haul – through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. You can’t make the cancer go away, no matter how positive you are. The decisions are hers to make, with guidance from her doctor.
Listen to Her
What she needs most is your support. When she wants to talk, just listen to her. Acknowledge her feelings and validate them if you can. Understand what she needs and respond to that. Her needs and feelings will fluctuate, so avoid acting before you’ve listened.
Take Notes
During doctor visits, go with her and take detailed notes of what the doctor says. People often find it hard to remember things in stressful situations. Your notes will help her recall important information later.
Make Her Laugh
Laughter can significantly improve her mood and help her cope with the situation. Be mindful of your humor; avoid anything that might make her feel worse. If you can get her to laugh, especially about herself, it can make her feel a lot better.
Show Your Support
Show your support in both small and big ways. Little gestures like wearing breast cancer awareness shirts, keychains, or ribbons can mean a lot to her. Participating in events like breast cancer walks shows that you are committed to fighting for her cause, and she will appreciate it.
Relax
To maintain a positive attitude for her, make sure to take breaks for yourself. It’s crucial to unwind and recharge. Take a night out with friends, go golfing, hit the gym, or do anything that helps you relieve stress. When you are relaxed, you can provide better support for her.
Using these tips will help you support the woman in your life as she battles breast cancer. Keep her spirits up by maintaining a positive attitude, addressing your own frustrations, and hearing out her needs. Help her laugh to ease stress and tension, and accept that you can’t fix everything. Above all, just be there for her.