8 Tips for Taking care of a Breast Cancer patient in the family!

When your loved one has breast cancer, it is as scary for them as it is for you. By being sensitive to their needs and gently caring for them, you can show them your support during the process. These are a few things you can do to help out a breast cancer patient in the family:

1. Always be there for them: Not only is the medical side of breast cancer worrisome, but it is also mentally taxing to visit a doctor given the gravity of the situation. In such situations having support from a family member is comforting. Even otherwise, they will feel more comfortable to have family around, which provides them with mental support. However, they might not want to make everyone busy at all times. Assure them that you want to do this because you love
   them.
2. Exercise Together: Taking an evening walk or assisting your loved one in their recommended exercises, or fitness regimes together will help uplift their mood. You could even meditate or do yoga together. Having an exercise partner often motivates people to do it regularly. It will also
   be a good way to release tension during such stressful times.
3. Plan Fun Activities but do not go overboard: Planning activities for your loved one will keep them distracted and make them feel good. It is important that you do not overdo it because that might begin having an opposite reaction on their mental health. They do not need to feel like they are being a burden in any way, even if you mean well with the activities. Keep it slow and simple. Take them to a nearby park, cook them their favourite food. Make sure their health
   permits them to do the activity while also having some fun.
4. Treat Them: Give them flowers, cook them their favourite meals, or play them their favourite songs – small activities like these will make your loved ones feel good. It’s also important to check the diet for breast cancer patients after surgery to help them fight the weakness due to surgery. It can uplift their mood and boost the spirits of everyone else in the house. These do not have to be things that last for hours either. Simple gestures and small treats can go a long way.
5. Talk About It: Breast cancer patients are not the only one who has to face it all. It does not mean that just because you are not affected you cannot express fear. Communicate your
   feelings, let them know you are there and a part of their journey. You may think that being a
   family member is something obvious, but expressing it loud will make them feel loved, supported and stronger. They are suffering, in pain, and scared but your presence will ease the
   process for them.
6. Be responsible: You can take up the responsibilities of your loved one suffering from breast cancer. Things like booking appointments and providing them with their medication on time can provide a sense of accomplishment in their journey and will make them feel better.
7. Take Care of Yourself Too: While the patient is going through a lot, they will rely on you to stay strong. If you fall apart from the stress, how will you help out your loved one? Express what you feel, talk to someone and get help on this. Get an adequate amount of sleep every night. Eat properly. Ensure that you have not forgotten to take care of yourself. You are on this journey with them and it is necessary for them, as well as for you, to stay healthy.
8. Join Support Groups: Knowing stories of cancer survivors can bring hope in the life of your loved one. Sharing similar experiences can lessen the burden of the disease and will make your loved one feel better. Having a common platform and understanding that there are other people on a similar journey proves comforting. As a family member, you can check if there are support groups for loved ones, or if the patient’s group is inclusive of you.