In October thousands of high-profile companies throw expensive advertising campaigns designed to support the "cure" as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Retail Shelves are lined with everything from mixers pink pink nail polish. However, there is a segment of the community of breast cancer that does not achieve that needed attention and support: breast cancer survivors and their families.
Since much of the focus is on healing, many patients newly diagnosed (you are considered a survivor of the day you are diagnosed) are left to make their way through the risks and side effects of treatment by trial and error. Much of the literature of existing breast cancer is technical and internet information often is wrong.Both are lacking the everyday practical help. even the best oncologists sometimes fail to give patients critical information needed to get through the treatment and resume their lives successfully.
Almost a quarter of a million newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and their families are thrown into crisis each year.Many of the more than two million survivors and their families are still suffering from the after-effects of a diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Although there are many sites and blogs of breast cancer, few provide survivorship resources need families of breast cancer. As I said recently that a survivor, "The silence is deafening support."
By providing more resources of survivorship, perhaps we could reduce 20% of husbands who leave their wives after they are diagnosed with breast cancer. at least we can help the many children below 10 which must become then primary caregivers of their mothers. Survivorship information could provide answers to questions you didn't even know you ask: did you know that cut your cuticles and flossing your teeth during chemotherapy could have serious complications? Did you know that there are foods and body care products that women should avoid if your breast cancer is fueled by estrogen?
Is empowering comparing experiences with other survivors and find that you're not alone.While knowledge is power, features online breast cancer varies between ludicrous and lifeguards, then just visit accredited sites you know and trust. ask your local Komen Affiliate names support groups in your area. Also browse local yoga, tai chi, meditation, or healthy cooking lessons. Many cancer treatment facilities offer advisory services to help patients and their families cope. I beg you to take advantage of these services, because it is difficult to heal and move forward if you are rooted in fear and anger.
As you might have guessed, I am a survivor of breast cancer.Six years ago I was diagnosed and since then, I had 10 breast cancer surgeries and eight rounds of chemotherapy. in addition to being a breast cancer survivor, I know how to be the son of a father who died of cancer and caregiver for my late husband, who died of cancer. I know what they need of families of cancer. A year ago, I created breastcancersisterhood.com. Our mission is to become the leading online resource for all things related to live with and breast cancer survivors. Highlights of this BLOG site rich in content, Brenda called a Top 10 Breast Cancer Blog blogs.com and bizymoms.com; Amy's blog for children and adolescents whose parents have cancer, plus 100 original videos created for patients/survivors of breast cancer, husbands/caregivers and children.
Breast cancer survivors come in all shapes and sizes.It is a club that does not discriminate against age, race, education or gender.While you can't have had breast cancer, odds are you know someone who's been diagnosed.So this October, this month of Breast Cancer Awareness, encouraging someone who is fighting cancer or finished treatment to seek support in any way works for them.Remind them that they are empowered with an innate strength and courage. tell them to herself; drawing on it; make it your own. they are more than your cancer.They and you have lives to lead children to feed, husbands and families to love and sunsets to watch.Enjoy everyday. make it your best so deliberately and intentionally.
Brenda Ray Coffee, founder and CEO of Survivorship Media Network, LLC, is a seasoned entrepreneur, journalist/filmmaker, former management consultant and Adviser to a publicly traded company and breast cancer survivor.
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