As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so be sure to check back each week throughout the month as we share important breast health tips.
Cathy Halloran was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 and has raised close to a combined $450,000 for the American Cancer Society and her very own Chicks and Chucks Foundation, a non-profit she started in 2006 to provide a resource for breast cancer patients in need of financial and emotional support.
She devotes much of her time and boundless energy to talking to cancer patients and family members.
Halloran is a breast cancer survivor who has had two mastectomies, eight rounds of chemotherapy and lost her hair. With that experience, she offers these six tips for helping a loved one who is battling cancer:
- Being a good listener means being a great friend. Your friend or family member may just want to vent. They do NOT expect you to solve their problems or cure their cancer.
- Validate concerns. Related to No. 1, don’t fight people when they express their anxiety, anger or frustration. Just let them know it’s OK to feel that way and that you understand.
- Surround yourself with a strong network. As much as you want to be there for your friend or family member, you, yourself, will need to vent, cry and express your feelings. So make sure you have people you can lean on, as well.
- Let people help you. If you are going to help your friend or family member, you are going to need someone to help you. That’s OK. Take all the support you can get.
- Dig deep. There are days that are going to challenge you, too. And the more challenging for your friend or family member, the more difficult it will be for you. Dig deep and you will find strength for both of you.
- Keep the faith. No matter your religious affiliation, find comfort in your spirituality. It’s a tool in the tool belt that can provide the most assurance or comfort.
Halloran is a women’s product consultant at St. Elizabeth Healthcare who helps patients with the purchasing of bras and wigs at the Breast Center boutique on the Edgewood campus.
