Positive Thinking

These are all great answers. Two things to add.
Many patients focus on statistics, they want to know what the stats are for recurrence and survival. Statistics DO NOT APPLY to individuals, they do not predict when you will die. This is important for everyone to understand, so, if possible, help your friend to ignore those stats. We will all die someday, but you need to remember that you are an individual with your own unique situation. There are countless thrivers out there who were told to go home and get their affairs in order. Instead, they chose to live another 10, 20 or 30 years. That being said, take control of your cancer and keep a positive attiude...it goes a long, long way in terms of living a long, cancer-free life.

Next, when a loved one is diagnosed, everyone wants to help, to visit and comfort. Often times, this is a burden on the patient. She may be tired, and VERY tired of retelling her story. Offer to man the phones, save her the stress. Offer to pick up her kids from school, offer to clean her house...be useful, not a burden.

Also, for anyone newly diagnosed, I encourage you to read my blog: Empowerment is the Key to a Successful Journey:
http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/2011/05/empowerment-is-key-to-successful.html These are all great answers. Two things to add.
Many patients focus on statistics, they want to know what the stats are for recurrence and survival. Statistics DO NOT APPLY to individuals, they do not predict when you will die. This is important for everyone to understand, so, if possible, help your friend to ignore those stats. We will all die someday, but you need to remember that you are an individual with your own unique situation. There are countless thrivers out there who were told to go home and get their affairs in order. Instead, they chose to live another 10, 20 or 30 years. That being said, take control of your cancer and keep a positive attiude...it goes a long, long way in terms of living a long, cancer-free life.

Next, when a loved one is diagnosed, everyone wants to help, to visit and comfort. Often times, this is a burden on the patient. She may be tired, and VERY tired of retelling her story. Offer to man the phones, save her the stress. Offer to pick up her kids from school, offer to clean her house...be useful, not a burden.

Also, for anyone newly diagnosed, I encourage you to read my blog: Empowerment is the Key to a Successful Journey:
http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/2011/05/empowerment-is-key-to-successful.html

I am a firm believer the lowest point in someone's life leads them to their highest... - meaning - when something terrible is happening - it only leads to a stronger, happier, more appreciative person with a passion and zeal for life and for people than before. I am a 2X brain cancer survivor from my teenage years. Now I am an author, filmmaker, and I've done lots of public speaking - I have this extreme joy for life - I don't believe any of that would have played out if it weren't for what happened to me. So... there is a lot of hope - for there is a lot to look forward to on the other side - I believe hope is very powerful medicine. I have interviewed patients from around the country who were given a terminal diagnosis yet overcame the odds. They all shared a positive attitude and an amazing will to live. There have been many studies about the placebo effect, which proves the mind-body connection exists. Even if someone is given a 5 percent chance to live, why can't they be that 5 percent? There is no such thing as false hope.

There are many things that you can support a breast cancer patient. Patients going treatment may be tired, feel poorly or depressed. I think that people want to help but don't know how. I suggest having a good friend organize a wish list and organize it for the patients. House cleaning, running errands, make a meal, walk the dog, take the kids out for a movie, bring funny books or movies. Try to not bring up cancer or treatment unless the patient brings it up, listen if she does. She has probably answered the questions over and over. Some patients send up a journal or blog so that she (or her friend or partner) can keep everyone updated. Cards and notes from people always cheered me up and made me smile! I saved them and now and again I read them and realized how kind and wonderful people were. There are many things that you can support a breast cancer patient. Patients going treatment may be tired, feel poorly or depressed. I think that people want to help but don't know how. I suggest having a good friend organize a wish list and organize it for the patients. House cleaning, running errands, make a meal, walk the dog, take the kids out for a movie, bring funny books or movies. Try to not bring up cancer or treatment unless the patient brings it up, listen if she does. She has probably answered the questions over and over. Some patients send up a journal or blog so that she (or her friend or partner) can keep everyone updated. Cards and notes from people always cheered me up and made me smile! I saved them and now and again I read them and realized how kind and wonderful people were.

I am a survivor of stage IV breast cancer and have been living well for three years since I was diagnosed with a recurrence. I have interviewed people from around the country who have had been told they had months to live and are around 30 years later cancer-free. Don't listen to statistics; any stage cancer can be overcome. I invite you to visit my blog where I share stories and talk about how you can make a difference in your health: www.miraclesurvivors.com. I am a survivor of stage IV breast cancer and have been living well for three years since I was diagnosed with a recurrence. I have interviewed people from around the country who have had been told they had months to live and are around 30 years later cancer-free. Don't listen to statistics; any stage cancer can be overcome. I invite you to visit my blog where I share stories and talk about how you can make a difference in your health: www.miraclesurvivors.com.

I took a year long chemo therapy. The first few weeks were the most stressful as the chemo level built up to a level that was monitored by the doctor. Even after it reached the proper level, it took a physical toll on my body and a psychological toll as well. I set up my own routine of walking and exercising. Reading was difficult, not because I couldn't see, I simply couldn't concentrate. I found videos that were interesting along with music. I did not enjoy talking to others about chemotherapy or illnesses - such as that made me feel more depressed. I chose to be positive in all pursuits. I took a year long chemo therapy. The first few weeks were the most stressful as the chemo level built up to a level that was monitored by the doctor. Even after it reached the proper level, it took a physical toll on my body and a psychological toll as well. I set up my own routine of walking and exercising. Reading was difficult, not because I couldn't see, I simply couldn't concentrate. I found videos that were interesting along with music. I did not enjoy talking to others about chemotherapy or illnesses - such as that made me feel more depressed. I chose to be positive in all pursuits.