If you or someone you know has breast cancer, these three words say it all. You can encourage a loved one with this simple message. In October, we wear pink October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Support a friend or family member who’s undergoing breast cancer treatment or remember a loved one who died by wearing this ribbon.
Full Answer
Should you send positive messages to breast cancer patients?
If you have an acquaintance or coworker dealing with breast cancer, you may not want to overstep your boundaries. But it can be good for this person to receive encouraging messages from even casual acquaintances who know about the struggle. Here are some examples of positive messages for cancer patients that you may not be as close with.
How can I surprise my Friend with a breast cancer gift?
Buy your friend a fun, cheerful tote bag that they can use to haul their iPad, snacks, and water bottle to and from the doctor’s office. There are plenty of breast cancer-related tote bags available online. Find a company that donates a portion of the tote bag profits to breast cancer research so it’s even more meaningful.
What do you say when your boss has breast cancer?
Even a boss needs to hear that she’s doing a good job. If your supervisor is fighting breast cancer, let her know you admire her strength there and in all other aspects of her life.
Do you want breast cancer?
Absolutely no one wants breast cancer. But the reality is that about one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. And if and when a diagnosis comes, there are some things that can make the shock just a teeny bit better.
What can I send someone undergoing cancer treatment?
7 Thoughtful Gifts for Cancer Patients and CaregiversA Meal Service or Gift Cards. Traveling to and from home for cancer treatments can be time consuming and tiring for both the patient and caregiver. ... A Massage. ... Time Off. ... A Clean (or Organized) Home. ... Comfortable Clothing. ... A Care Basket. ... The Same Gift You'd Get Them Otherwise.
What do you give someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer?
9 Best Gifts for a Friend Who Is Undergoing Breast Cancer...A Home-cooked Meal. ... Comfy Pajamas. ... A Box of Luxury Bath Products. ... Support Love. ... Takeout Gift Cards. ... Port/Mastectomy Pillow. ... Prayer Shawl. ... Ginger Candy.More items...•
Is it appropriate to send flowers for cancer diagnosis?
Don't buy flowers. Plants and flowers harbor fungal spores that place patients — especially transplant and cellular therapy patients — at higher risk for infection. Additionally, flowers may trigger emotional distress when the plant wilts and dies.
What is a good care package for someone with breast cancer?
“The hospital where I began my chemo treatments gives out 'chemo bags' filled with things one can use during chemo- a soft throw, notebook, pen, puzzle books, lotion, tissues, hard candies, a small bottle of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, a pocket calendar, etc.
What do you say to someone who has had breast cancer surgery?
“[You can say] 'Well, I understand what you are going through, and if you want to talk through my experience, I'm here for you,'” Muradian says. “You don't know what stage [of grief] they're in, so it's all about being compassionate and mindful.”
What should you not say to a cancer patient?
Don't minimize their experience. Try not to say, "Don't worry, you'll be fine." You don't know that. Instead say, "I'm really sorry," or "I hope it will be okay." And don't refer to his or her cancer as "the good cancer." These statements downplay what he or she is going through.
What flower is associated with breast cancer?
If you know someone who is suffering from breast cancer, there is no better way to brighten their day than a gift of pink gerbera daisies.
What flowers do you give for breast cancer?
Giving Flowers for Breast Cancer Awareness MonthLilies. The magestic lily exudes positive energy and a spirit of hope. ... Roses. The rose is a classic, the flower of love. ... Daisies. Daisies can bring a fun, festive vibe to any flower arrangement. ... Orchids.
What kind of flowers do cancers like?
white rosesCancerians tend to love white flowers, especially white roses. If your Cancerian isn't a rose fan, you may try a beautiful bouquet with Lilies, White Carnations, White Tulips, or White Freesia.
How do you cheer up a cancer patient?
Give them a friendly hand squeeze or hug – it can go a long way. Ring them up, send a card, note or text to say you're thinking of them. Let them know that if they want to talk you'll be there to listen - then make sure you are available. Respect their need for privacy.
What goes in a Chemo Care Package?
Cancer Care Package IdeasWarm blankets and socks. Clinics and hospitals — where chemotherapy is administered — are often chilly, so blankets and warm socks can make your loved one more comfortable. ... Moisturizers and lip balm. ... Headwear and/or salon gift cards. ... Snacks and water. ... Entertainment. ... Inspiration.
What not to say to someone who had a mastectomy?
5 things not to say to your friend who's had a mastectomyDON'T: compare it to a boob job. "I don't care about a new pair, I want my old ones back - MY breasts. ... DON'T: say "you'll be fine!" ... DON'T: keep talking about our nips. ... DON'T: ask why we didn't just get the lump removed. ... DON'T: ask to see them.
What was the most thoughtful gift I received?
“The most thoughtful gift I received was a package containing a plant, a book of jokes, green tea, and a printed piece of paper with quotes from Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You’ll Go! " says Katie Parker, of Rapid City, South Dakota. "I was so touched by the thought, love, and support that went into this gift.”
Do people want breast cancer?
Absolutely no one wants breast cancer. But when a diagnosis comes, there are some things that can make the horridness just a teeny bit better. We asked people for the tangible items, experiential gifts, and even the actions that money can't buy that meant the most to them during their treatment process and their recovery.
What is a drain for breast cancer?
A drain is made up of a rubber tube that is inserted into the patient's incision and a squeezable bulb connected to it.
How old was Sandy Hanshaw when she was diagnosed with breast cancer?
"I was already a very healthy person, but I wanted to learn how to make even healthier decisions after I was diagnosed," says San Diego-based Sandy Hanshaw, 50. She was 46 when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, and she underwent a single mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation. "I got a lot of great cookbooks that are about being smart about what you're putting into your body," she says.
Do breast cancer patients wear button up PJs?
Button-up PJs are a must after breast cancer surgery, when it can be extremely painful for breast cancer patients to lift their arms, Otis says. Not only does a silky satin material feel luxurious, it also has a practical benefit for people recovering from treatment: "I slid in and out of bed easier because satin slides in the sheets!"
Can chemo cause numbness in hands?
Chemotherapy can cause debilitating nerve damage that could leave some breast cancer patients dealing with numbness, tingling, and even difficulty using their hands. Some research suggests that wearing cold wraps on the hands and feet may prevent this damage.If there's a special breast cancer patient in your life with chemo ahead, consider gifting a pair of these therapeutic gloves–to use with her doctor's approval, of course.To buy: $35, amazon.comTo get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter
What to do if your friend's clothing size has changed?
Your friend’s clothing size may have changed after going through cancer treatment. Purchase a gift card to the mall or their favorite clothing store to help them restock their wardrobe.
What to say when someone is sick on LinkedIn?
on Linkedin. It’s hard to know what to say when someone is sick. You want to be positive, but at the same time, you don’t want to belittle what your friend is experiencing. You want to show support, but you can’t take away the pain and discomfort they may encounter. You want to be a good friend, but if you have never experienced cancer, ...
Why do people reevaluate their bucket list?
Facing cancer sometimes causes people to reevaluate what they want out of life. Your friend’s bucket list items may have changed as a result of facing the disease. They may feel more urgency now to complete their bucket list items.
How to keep a friend warm during a cold treatment room?
The sweater will keep your friend warm when they spends time in the cold treatment room. 4. Snacks. Purchase healthy prepackaged snacks for your friend. While they may not be able to enjoy them during treatment, eating a bag of pretzels may keep your friend from feeling nauseous on the way home.
Do you need to stay hydrated during cancer treatment?
All of us need to stay hydrated, but it is especially essential for individuals going through cancer treatment. Buy a cute, BPA-safe water bottle that your friend will be happy to carry wherever they go.
Can you eat fresh fruit after surgery?
Even if your friend doesn’t have a great appetite after their surgery, they still may be able to tolerate fresh fruit. Fresh fruit is even more tempting if it is arranged beautifully.
Does chemo kill cancer cells?
While the medicine does its job killing cancer cells, it may cause unpleasant side effects that may leave your friend exhausted and ill . Here are a few items to consider putting in a gift basket for someone getting ready to start chemo or radiation.
What to say when someone has cancer?
When someone has cancer this will be their biggest fear and they won’t want to be reminded about it in the slightest. Stick to positives about life, be life affirming, comforting or funny. Don’ t mention or allude to any medical advice.
What to write in a cancer card?
These short and simple get well wishes for cancer are perfect if you’re not sure what to write in your card. Your words don’t have to be too long or eloquent as they convey the general idea , which is that you’re thinking of them and wishing them well. Wishing you all the best and that you’re well again very soon.
What to say in a card for a survivor?
Stay strong and if you need anything don’t hesitate to ask. I’m praying you feel better soon and get healthy again. You’re always in my thoughts. I may not say the right words in this card but I just want to let you know I’ll always be here for you. You’re a survivor and you’re going to survive this.
Is it good to read encouraging messages?
The person suffering may feel down and depressed so reading an encouraging message may be beneficial. And possibly counterintuitively using humour is a good option. Although you must do so very carefully, if done right then a humorous message can be very effective.
Can you play the cancer card?
So if you can bring a bit of humour, maybe a smile to the face of person with cancer it will be warmly received and appreciated. There’s one positive to all this: you can now play the cancer card!
10 ways to show you care
Courtney Preusse is a breast cancer survivor, researcher, patient advocate, and community liaison working in support of cancer awareness and research. Courtney works with clinicians and researchers at one of the leading cancer centers to advance new breast cancer initiatives, pilot projects and translational research in development.
Comfort is Key
When undergoing cancer treatment, comfort is key. Treatment can involve hard plastic chairs and uncomfortable examination tables or take place in cold clinics and hospital rooms that may not feel especially homey.
Stress Relief
Stress is an unwelcomed and uncomfortable experience for anyone, whether they have cancer or not. Aromatherapy pillows, eye masks, and even stuffed animals made with essential oils may help some people manage cancer-related symptoms. 1
Bring Some Entertainment
Activity levels wane during active cancer treatment and cancer fatigue is a given (even when someone isn't currently having treatment). Books and movies can be an excellent way to escape for a few hours.
Warmth and Style
Thinning hair and chemotherapy-related hair loss can be especially bothersome as the weather turns chilly. Even if your friend wishes to go au naturel, she might change her mind when the temperature drops.
Food
For a foodie friend, treating him to a meal at his favorite restaurant or giving a gift certificate can be a thoughtful option. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before giving food-related gifts.
Pampering
A gift certificate for a massage may sound like a good idea, but if your friend has lymphedema, healing surgical wounds or painful joints, bodywork could actually be painful.
How inspiring is watching your mom fight breast cancer?
Watching the way you have fought breast cancer has been incredibly inspirational. You’ve always been so strong and such a fighter. As always, you’ve proven that there’s no situation that you can’t handle. Moms are the people who take care of us.
Why do breast cancer patients gain weight?
They may gain weight thanks to water retention from certain drugs or lose one or both breasts due to a mastectomy. Your friend might not articulate worries about changing looks but it’s a very valid struggle that breast cancer patients go through.
How many people will have breast cancer in 2020?
About 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2020, according to the American Cancer Society. But there are lots of reasons to have hope — there are currently more than 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone.
When does breast cancer most commonly occur?
I really admire your commitment to being an active and engaged mother. Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 50. But it does happen to women in their 20s and 30s as well. If your friend is in that age range, she’s likely balancing her recovery with caring for her family.
Can you overstep your boundaries with breast cancer?
If you have an acquaintance or coworker dealing with breast cancer, you may not want to overstep your boundaries. But it can be good for this person to receive encouraging messages from even casual acquaintances who know about the struggle.
What does a cancer patient not need?
One thing a cancer patient does not need any more of? Stress. Offering to help out with tasks like rides to treatments, house cleaning, feeding pets or driving kids to school/sports will lift a huge weight off your loved one’s shoulders. The less they focus on day-to-day chores, the more they can focus on getting better.
What motivates cancer patients to get through treatment?
Having something positive to look forward to is a great motivator for cancer patients to get through treatment. You can plan something to anticipate, or keep them reminded of a goal they have.
What is a caring bridge?
CaringBridge is a personal health journal that lets you easily share your health journey with all your loved ones. Creating a site is a great way to help your loved one easily communicate and receive support, which makes it an awesome gift to give someone battling cancer.
Can you give money to a cancer patient?
However, offering financial support can be one of the most thoughtful (and needed) gifts you can give to a cancer patient . Many patients have to limit or give up working altogether due to their condition, and on top of that, treatment is expensive .
Well wishes for friends fighting cancer
1. This must be a really tough time for you, but I wanted to let you know that I’m so impressed by your courage and endurance.
Get-well messages for chemo treatment
38. Each day is one day closer to being done with your chemotherapy! I’m counting down right along with you.
Encouraging messages for terminal patients
48. I am so sorry you haven’t been feeling as good lately. I just wanted you to know how much I love you and that I am here for you.
Religious get-well messages for cancer patients
61. Every day, I pray that God watches over you and continues to give you the strength to fight this battle. I can’t imagine how exhausted you are from struggling with all of this, and I am so inspired by your bravery.
Get-well wishes for kids fighting cancer
72, So many people are cheering you on! You’re smart, brave, and very, very loved. Hang in there!
Humorous get-well wishes for cancer patients
79. Well, there is one positive thing to your diagnosis: Now you can play the cancer card!
Get-well messages for a cancer relapse
92. It must be so exhausting to go through this process again. Please know that I am here to support you in any way. How about I drop off some groceries for you and the family this weekend?