Breast Cancer: Co-Survivors
There are as many ways of being a co-survivor as there are people! Thoughtful gestures big and small mean so much to survivors, whether they’ve just been diagnosed or completed treatment many years ago.
Who is a Co-Survivor?
We consider a person a survivor from the moment a breast cancer diagnosis is confirmed. Co-survivors can be family members, spouses or partners, friends, health care providers or colleagues. Anyone who is there to lend support from diagnosis through treatment and beyond is considered a co-survivor. Many different co-survivors may enter the survivor’s life over time, lending support in a variety of ways.
For example, an oncologist provides information, hope and advice about treatment options. Friends and family may give practical help like driving to and from doctor’s appointments to help with cooking or cleaning, grocery shopping, child care or even gathering information about breast cancer. And a supervisor may even help find ways to balance work and treatment schedules.
Co-survivors also give much needed emotional support, such as listening or being there to give a hug.
What can I do? What can I say?
Is someone you know battling breast cancer or stepping back into “normal” life after treatment? Sometimes it’s hard to know what to say or do. Fact sheets and information about the breast cancer and its emotional impact can help you understand and reach out and meet the needs of someone going through this experience.
Create a network of support!
Learn how friends, co-workers and neighbors can join together to assist your loved one in their time of need by creating a private online group calendar atlotsahelpinghands.com.
Sharing your story – connecting with other co-survivors
As a co-survivor, you provide much needed support for your loved one’s fight against breast cancer. But, you need support, too! By sharing your story and connecting with other co-survivors, you can be part of a group connected by strength, hope and love. Read stories of hope and encouragement from co-survivors and breast cancer survivors, and share your story to help inspire others.
You are not alone. This year in the U.S., a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes. Each diagnosis affects everyone in that person’s life. The co-survivor message board (Family, Friends and Caregivers) is a place for you to share ideas and support with people who know how you feel.
http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/WhatCanIDoWhatCanISay.html