Family member found out she has breast cancer! How can I support her?

I just made my 1st post on digestive issues but wanted to welcome you. Good luck with your nursing! Unfortunately (or luckily) I have not had any relatives or friends diagnosed with breast cancer. I am sure you will be hearing from people soon! Nurses are natural care givers. You are on your way to being there for her! I wish both of you the best.

@asnz8088 first of all I am sorry your family member is joining the ranks. I too am a little confused as to why she would need to be hospitalized right away? The best idea I can give is just to do what you say and just be there for her. If you do that by keeping in contact with her, maybe she will tell you how you can help.
Do you live nearby your family member or is phone, online, the contact?

Wondering why she is hospitalized....If you are close, I am sure you will be helpful.

Hi
As far as I know and based on my knowledge the doctor wants to do more diagnostic tests and maybe a biopsy or to determine the exact stage of the tumor.
Sure I will be there as long as I can.
We live in the same city and I can see her almost every day but just for the next 20 days and then I have to return to university in another city and we are going to be far from each other.
Thanks for answering and for your valuable idea.

Hi
I told the reason to the previous person who asked the same but I have to talk with her for more information.
Thanks a lot, I will make sure to be with her.

asnz8088 | @asnz8088

Like others, surprised she had to be hospitalized for tests and biopsy, most people have done as outpatient, but maybe there is another reason.

Though hearing the "C" work is always scarry, many people go through breast cancer and continue to live a normal life. Especially if caught early. Lot of support groups available.

Tell her to take her time in deciding treatment options, depending on type and extend of cancer, there are a variety of treatment options. She will know more once has MRI and biopsy. If she is unsure about recommend treatment suggested, seek 2nd opinion.

Laurie

asnz8088 | @asnz8088

I am going give another piece of advice to pass on to your family member.

When do biopsy, and if they put her asleep, make sure your family member tells surgeon she is only consenting to biopsy (or maybe lumpectomy if small) but nothing more invasive.

She needs to be awaken up and have time to weigh her options which may take a week or more. A decision about more invasive surgery should not be made when under influence of anesthesia, either local or waking up from more powerful drugs.

She needs to be her own advocate.

Laurie

Good morning, I lived out of the country when i had my first bout with cancer and the one thing that helped was when I got letters or cards with actual letters. Just friends sharing their lives with me and it always made me happy. It put me back into the normal mode and for just a little while I wasn’t sick. Since you are in the medical field perhaps ask her if she needs to talk about her cancer or if you can help her find answers to her questions. It becomes a very lonely time for people with cancer. It always lightens the load when you have someone to talk things out. Hope this helps. Sending love and prayers. Maria

Listening is tge best you can do x

@asnz8088, how are you doing? Did you learn anything more about your family member's diagnosis?