From the article: Top 10 Ways to Support a Spouse with Breast Cancer
Have you supported a spouse, family member or friend through breast cancer? Send in your tips for ways to be supportive. What is most effective? creative? appreciated? I Give Support By ...
A Prayer for the Care Giver
- To all those who wrote in their comments: I will include you in my prayers. For protection and for strength. I see knights in shining armor, I see an evolution in our men. Bless you, you are actively and gracefully making the world a better place. Your efforts and the love you have for your spouse goes beyond the two of you. Thank you.
- —Guest Edee
Wanted to be there
- I really wanted to be there for my wife during this horrible time of our lives. I originally viewed it as WE had breast cancer. Our life styles changed. Whatever we read in the fight against Breast Cancer, we both did. I found out quickly though that there is very little acceptance for an involved spouse. I asked to be with her for all the non-invasive procedures or at least be as close as the operator. Talk about an uphill battle. I was not allowed to be there during the fight for any of the diagnostic tests like MRI, ultrasounds or base line Mammograms. I went into a very deep depression. I didn’t want to, but it just happened to me. She did not need to deal with my depression and her breast cancer. Now 2 years later I’m still mad at the medical community for putting my wife through this. I’m so glad that the above writer was able to be with his spouse during her fight; I wish I could have been. In Asheville N.C., the medical system does not see the value of including the spouse.
- —donniewaid
Standing by her
- I would like to tell you about support for a woman with breast cancer. Support is so important and I have worked with my wife since she was diagnosed in 1989. Being with her and holding her hand is something one needs but they also need support when getting all the tests. We have had breast cancer return 4 times on the same side. My biggest problem is being with her. I keep on all the people involved with the test and they are getting better but I do wish they would know that support is important. I have gone in with her for CT scans and held her hand and last week I was with her for a mammogram - she was tired of it all.Support is a necessary medical help. After 2 sessions of radiation I stood with the operator and made my wife feel more comfortable. Thanks as so much can be done to help a cancer patient.
- —Guest Harold
My wife and MBC
- I try to manage as much as I can i.e., household chores, finances, errands, appts scheduling, medications, rest, sleep, to allow her as much free time to do what she enjoys i.e., walks with friends, reading, cooking, quilting, etc. In the time left, I try to keep myself in good physical/mental condition. There are many challenges and it isn't easy i.e. mood swings, frustrations, etc. I have become her CAREGIVER and try to be the best that I can. After 40 years of marriage she says (smilingly) that she'll keep me on for a few more!!!! I guess I'm not doing all that bad as her CAREGIVER!! P.S. I spare no effort to make her laugh! AND I always conceal my tears...........
- —Guest bert
