Men who are supporting their wives, sisters, mothers, or girlfriends through the breast cancer journey would do well to remember these three "R"s. These are the basic building-blocks of support.
Remind
When a woman first receives a diagnosis for breast cancer, her most immediate question is: "Will I die?" A man can't go wrong by reminding a woman that breast cancer is highly treatable and, in most cases, curable. Breast cancer treatments continue to broaden, and the percentage of breast cancer survivors among women continues to rise.
No, a breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. It is a journey that will require strength, resiliency, support, and hope . . . along with treatment. But men can remember to remind . . . and then rewind, and remind again. Keep hope high.
Research
One of the best ways for a man to help through the initial phase of the diagnosis is to assist in research. Most women will want to read as much as they can about breast cancer or, in these days, search the internet. But women can also grow weary in this endeavor. The information can be so great, and come so fast, that a weariness can set in.
Men can help by assisting in the research, by gleaning the best information, by making phone calls and helping to refine the search. Many men, in fact, soon believe that they are breast cancer experts. So don't neglect to help with research. This work not only helps in the initial phase, but also allows a woman additional rest and reflection.
Rest
And speaking of rest . . . a man should make sure he and his wife get plenty of it. A man can be his wife's best friend by making sure she's getting proper sleep and recuperation. She will, in fact, need this strength for the recovery phase (following surgery) and/or during the subsequent radiation/chemotherapy (if needed). Rest is vital.
Tired women (and men) don't do as well in the recovery phase. And without proper rest, we suffer emotionally and relationally, too. Frayed nerves can be just as debilitating as a radiation treatment.
Rest. Relax. Recuperate. Stay strong in the fray.
~Todd Outcalt
Remind
When a woman first receives a diagnosis for breast cancer, her most immediate question is: "Will I die?" A man can't go wrong by reminding a woman that breast cancer is highly treatable and, in most cases, curable. Breast cancer treatments continue to broaden, and the percentage of breast cancer survivors among women continues to rise.
No, a breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. It is a journey that will require strength, resiliency, support, and hope . . . along with treatment. But men can remember to remind . . . and then rewind, and remind again. Keep hope high.
Research
One of the best ways for a man to help through the initial phase of the diagnosis is to assist in research. Most women will want to read as much as they can about breast cancer or, in these days, search the internet. But women can also grow weary in this endeavor. The information can be so great, and come so fast, that a weariness can set in.
Men can help by assisting in the research, by gleaning the best information, by making phone calls and helping to refine the search. Many men, in fact, soon believe that they are breast cancer experts. So don't neglect to help with research. This work not only helps in the initial phase, but also allows a woman additional rest and reflection.
Rest
And speaking of rest . . . a man should make sure he and his wife get plenty of it. A man can be his wife's best friend by making sure she's getting proper sleep and recuperation. She will, in fact, need this strength for the recovery phase (following surgery) and/or during the subsequent radiation/chemotherapy (if needed). Rest is vital.
Tired women (and men) don't do as well in the recovery phase. And without proper rest, we suffer emotionally and relationally, too. Frayed nerves can be just as debilitating as a radiation treatment.
Rest. Relax. Recuperate. Stay strong in the fray.
~Todd Outcalt
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