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Caregiving

Writer's picture: Surviving Breast CancerSurviving Breast Cancer

“Cause you know, I just can't stand

To see, see you'all pushed around

‘Cause when things go wrong,

Wrong with you,

It hurts me too”

(E James)


Caregiving is a unique art form, unique in that all on the receiving end are different and are faced with their own personal, individual issues. Breast cancer presents many, many challenges to the patient and their caregiver.


Just last evening a young caregiver paid a visit to our Thursday Night Thrivers Meet Up looking for advice. She came to the right space. The responses to her quest were sincere, full of love, hope, and assistance. From the young lady’s response she was glad to have come.


But what are the characteristics for caregiving? After careful consideration we’ve determined the following:


  • First off, recognize that there are many ways to help.

  • Secondly, it is important to understand that caregiving is stressful. The caregiver needs to take care of themselves too.

  • Third, understand that the primary caregivers are actually the oncology team working to save your loved one.

  • Recognizing that you may be able to take notes at the ongoing medical visits (this was easier pre-COVID-19).

  • You may also be able to ask questions of this team if you are allowed to attend. In the event that only the patient is allowed in due to the pandemic then wait patiently and record or take notes of the discussion as soon as the patient returns to you. Remember that Chemo Brain is real and that memory for a patient undergoing chemotherapy may represent a challenge.

  • Show respect at all times to the patient. You are stressed but they are living “it.”

  • Let the patient make the decisions.

  • Offer to help, but mean it.

  • Take responsibility for practical matters.<