Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Denise Migliorini, LCSW-C

Here we go again. October, the month of breast cancer awareness. The month when pink dominates the store shelves and companies pink wash their advertising.

October is also the month I started treatment for breast cancer 6 years ago.

This October, I want to share how to support people who are battling cancer and the awful/life saving treatments that many endure throughout the process.

I often get calls or texts asking “what can I do that will help [my loved one]?” Or “what advice would you give?”

Here are my answers:

-Food, food, food. Healthy and freezer friendly meals and snacks. Grocery delivery of perishable items or gift cards to a local store as a back up.

-Laundry service. This is a life saver for our low energy days and over stretched partners.

-Rides to treatment. Chemo shuts your body down and radiation brings terrible fatigue.

-Decorate their house for holidays. I never knew I wanted this until some people did it for me.

-Clean their house and their car.

-Ask them how they’re doing…and listen! They haven’t forgotten they’re sick. It’s probably 50% or more of what’s on their mind already. Be open to anything they have to say. Speaking out loud the scary thoughts, the hope, and the fears are all important.

-Don’t tell horror stores or try to spin it positive. Just be open to what the person says and needs.

-Provide hope, not horror stories (yes, I’m writing that again).

-Believe they will heal, feel better or find peace.

I know these tips are helpful because of my village, my amazing community, my family and friends.

Thank you to all the caregivers, and I stand with and hold up all the fighters.