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Writer's pictureSurviving Breast Cancer

Caregiving


“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.

  • Take pains to communicate fully.

  • Express your love, desire to help, but give the patient space.

As always let us know your thoughts and how you’d like to contribute to the discussion.

 

“Battling metastatic cancer is difficult enough for any person, and we should be breaking down the barriers that stand in the way of providing the best care possible,” said lead author AJ Scheitler, director of stakeholder relations at the health policy research center. “Our work aims to offer state-level policy solutions that should be further explored.” Read More.


 

People who care for other people do so without needed support in the way of paid leave or affordable and reliable paid care for the young, old, ill and disabled.


And professional caregivers themselves don't make enough money to properly care for their own families. Read More.

 

People who care for other people do so without needed support in the way of paid leave or affordable and reliable paid care for the young, old, ill and disabled.


And professional caregivers themselves don't make enough money to properly care for their own families. Read More.


 

During the crisis, on my drive from the hospital to home, I would sometimes think, “God, I could just get out of here” because the relentless pressure of every single day and the very painful sight of Brad being so sick added up to a wish for escape.


In reality, I didn't want to actually leave my children and abandon everything. But it was a tempting fantasy. Read More.

 

Recent Posts

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  • Multiple Dates
    Thu, Nov 21
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    Nov 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM EST
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    Nov 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM EST
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    This is your weekly breast cancer support group! It's a welcoming and inviting virtual space where you can come to meet others, ask questions, or just listen in. Our sessions are always confidential and a friendly space offering support as well a a bit of humor.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu, Nov 21
    Virtual
    Nov 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
    Virtual
    Nov 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
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    Join us for our signature Thursday Night Thrivers Meetup! On the third Thursday of every month, we will have a special meeting for the MBC community. This space will be hosted by the incredible Psychologist Nancy Gaulin.
  • Multiple Dates
    Mon, Nov 25
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    Nov 25, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
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    Nov 25, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
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  • Multiple Dates
    Mon, Nov 25
    Online Event
    Nov 25, 2024, 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM EST
    Online Event
    Nov 25, 2024, 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM EST
    Online Event
    Join us for the REIKI Circle of Care, a transformative virtual session where energy knows no boundaries. Experience the power of distance Reiki as it flows through your Chakras, bringing balance and universal energy to your body, mind, and spirit.
  • Multiple Dates
    Tue, Nov 26
    Online Event
    Nov 26, 2024, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM EST
    Online Event
    Nov 26, 2024, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM EST
    Online Event
    Join Kim OBrien for guided Qi Gong class. A time-honored practice that utilizes breath, movement, and intention setting to promote health and equilibrium in the body.
  • Multiple Dates
    Tue, Nov 26
    Virtual
    Nov 26, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
    Virtual
    Nov 26, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
    Virtual
    ¡Únete con nosotros para nuestro exclusivo Evento Martes - después del diagnóstico en español!
  • Multiple Dates
    Tue, Nov 26
    Virtual
    Nov 26, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
    Virtual
    Nov 26, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
    Virtual
    ¡Únete a nuestro encuentro exclusivo "Después de un Diagnóstico" el 4to martes del mes por la noche!
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu, Nov 28
    Online Event
    Nov 28, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
    Online Event
    Nov 28, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
    Online Event
    IBC 2.0 is a private support group for individuals who have graduated from our standing Thursday Night Thrivers-IBC. Our IBC 2.0 group dives into topics, questions, and concerns on a deeper level as members already know one another and have graduated from TNT-IBC.
  • Multiple Dates
    Sun, Dec 01
    Online
    Dec 01, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
    Online
    Dec 01, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
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    Mon, Dec 02
    Online Event
    Dec 02, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
    Online Event
    Dec 02, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
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    The process of focused meditation with attention and intention can provide answers to various questions we may have especially around limiting beliefs. This is an opportunity to anchor the chakra teachings and transform our consciousness around.

Upcoming
events

  • Thursday Nights Thrivers Meetup
    Thursday Nights Thrivers Meetup
    Multiple Dates
    Thu, Nov 21
    Nov 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM EST
    Virtual
    Nov 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM EST
    Virtual
    This is your weekly breast cancer support group! It's a welcoming and inviting virtual space where you can come to meet others, ask questions, or just listen in. Our sessions are always confidential and a friendly space offering support as well a a bit of humor.
  • MBC Support Group with Nancy Gaulin
    MBC Support Group with Nancy Gaulin
    Multiple Dates
    Thu, Nov 21
    Nov 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
    Virtual
    Nov 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
    Virtual
    Join us for our signature Thursday Night Thrivers Meetup! On the third Thursday of every month, we will have a special meeting for the MBC community. This space will be hosted by the incredible Psychologist Nancy Gaulin.
  • Meditation Affirmations: Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
    Meditation Affirmations: Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
    Multiple Dates
    Mon, Nov 25
    Nov 25, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
    Online Event
    Nov 25, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
    Online Event
    The process of focused meditation with attention and intention can provide answers to various questions we may have especially around limiting beliefs. This is an opportunity to anchor the chakra teachings and transform our consciousness around.
  • Reiki Circle of Care
    Reiki Circle of Care
    Multiple Dates
    Mon, Nov 25
    Nov 25, 2024, 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM EST
    Online Event
    Nov 25, 2024, 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM EST
    Online Event
    Join us for the REIKI Circle of Care, a transformative virtual session where energy knows no boundaries. Experience the power of distance Reiki as it flows through your Chakras, bringing balance and universal energy to your body, mind, and spirit.
  • Qi Gong with Kim
    Qi Gong with Kim
    Multiple Dates
    Tue, Nov 26
    Nov 26, 2024, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM EST
    Online Event
    Nov 26, 2024, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM EST
    Online Event
    Join Kim OBrien for guided Qi Gong class. A time-honored practice that utilizes breath, movement, and intention setting to promote health and equilibrium in the body.
  • Grupo de Apoyo: Después de un Diagnóstico
    Grupo de Apoyo: Después de un Diagnóstico
    Multiple Dates
    Tue, Nov 26
    Nov 26, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
    Virtual
    Nov 26, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
    Virtual
    ¡Únete con nosotros para nuestro exclusivo Evento Martes - después del diagnóstico en español!
  • Grupo de Apoyo para Cáncer de Mama Metastásico
    Grupo de Apoyo para Cáncer de Mama Metastásico
    Multiple Dates
    Tue, Nov 26
    Nov 26, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
    Virtual
    Nov 26, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
    Virtual
    ¡Únete a nuestro encuentro exclusivo "Después de un Diagnóstico" el 4to martes del mes por la noche!

1

Surviving Breast Cancer provides breast cancer support, events, and webinars at no cost to you! Whether you are looking to gain more knowledge on a particular topic or meet up with other breast cancer survivors, we have something for everyone. 

2

Our standing appointment on Thursdays is for all stages. We also host specific breakout groups once a month for specific stages and subtypes such as Metastatic breast cancer, and Inflammatory Breast Cancer, etc. 

3

The Book Club meets the first Sunday of every month at 11 am ET. You are welcome to join each month or pick and choose your month based on your availability and the book we are reading. 

4

Through art, writing, and other creative modalities, we hold the power to manage our stress, make sense of our now, and relax into moments of stillness. 

5

Free, monthly, online classes in restorative yoga, yoga for breast cancer, and Zumba. 

6

Después de un Diagnóstico

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