Motherhood changes a woman's life forever, and when breast cancer strikes, life will never be the same for her. For mothers, dealing with the diagnosis of breast cancer while trying to keep the family together can be terrifying. As fall approaches, so does October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Prepare for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and help mitigate the stress and fear of cancer in your family by using the following guide.
Thoughtful Pick-Me-Ups
Breast cancer can put a family into an emotional crisis. The diagnosis forces loved ones to think about everything they take for granted – especially those heartfelt, family-oriented occasions such as birthdays and holidays. Simple moments such as opening birthday gifts from FTD during a birthday party or baking Christmas cookies take on a much greater meaning. Surprise mom with kind gestures to show how much the family cares and keep her mind off treatments. Brighten up the room and make mom smile with a bouquet of flowers or homemade cards.
Help & Support
The Support Planner from Caring Bridge will make the process of finding help for the following easier:
Families can post requests for support or offer aid by checking the support planner to find out what is needed and when. Caring Bridge also serves as a resource for families to create secure websites. Extended family, friends, business associates, and neighbors can stay up-to-date without being overly intrusive. During low moments, mom can go to the website to read warm, supportive messages.
Breast Cancer Organizations
Cancer societies and breast cancer organizations are committed to increasing public awareness about the prevalence of breast cancer and offering helpful information to women and their loved ones. The Breast Cancer Society offers a free Resource Guide highlighting numerous organizations that help navigate the experience of diagnosis and treatment with support groups, transportation assistance, pain management, and medical equipment. Living Beyond Breast Cancer is another non-profit organization that offers resources for where to find financial assistance and how to find assistance with household chores. Organizations like the Avon Foundation make it possible for women who can't afford to get mammograms or treatment to have those procedures. Show your support for your courageous mother and her battle by participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer as a team.
Online Connections
Online communities and discussion boards are spaces where your mom can connect with other people who are going through what she is. The Breast Cancer Organization provides moderated discussion boards that can be joined for free, and the Pink-Link Foundation is a non-profit organization that is essentially an online breast cancer support network. It connects members with people, information and even has its own social network.