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The Voice of People With Breast Cancer
Information
Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Practical Issues
Caregivers
Caregivers provide invaluable support to breast cancer patients. This support can be practical (keeping records, making and attending appointments, remembering medications), or it can be emotional (listening for the feelings behind the patient's words, paraphrasing their words, sitting quietly and holding the patient's hand and just being with the person). Commonly, a caregiver is someone who has a close relationship with the person receiving treatment; whether that be a partner, a child, a sibling or a friend.
Many caregivers have other responsibilities like work or children and it can be difficult balancing these roles. Being a caregiver can be stressful and creating time to focus on yourself may help you cope with the demands of caring for another person. Acknowledging your own physical and emotional needs may help to relieve this stress. If you are feeling overwhelmed, asking for help is ok.
For some, accessing help from others may not be an option. Luckily, there are resources available to help support caregivers. If you are experiencing added financial pressure you might be eligible for assistance through Service Canada. You may be able to receive emotional support through community based programs, like Wellspring, the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, or Family Caregivers of BC. The cancer centre or a social worker may also provide support for you or may help you find a caregiver support group in your community. Finally, you can access support resources online through The Caregiver Network and Cancer Chat Canada.
Reading suggestion from the blog: You can’t fix breast cancer but you can make it better
Read our edition of Network News Spring 2016 for an informative article on Caring for Our Caregivers by Francine Beaupré, Cancer Coach at the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.
The Canadian Cancer Society has a database that can be used to find local support services in your area. You can access it below:
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About CBCN
CBCN strives to voice the views and concerns of breast cancer patients through education, advocacy activities, and the promotion of information sharing.
Canadian Breast Cancer Network
185 Somerset St. West Suite 318, Ottawa, ON Canada K2P 0J2
Tel: 613-230-3044
Toll-free: 1-800-685-8820
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