Topics
10.2.1 Finding Help & Support
10.2.2 Building a Support System
10.2.3 Other Types of Support
Chapter 10: Learning Activity
Chapter 10: Assessment
Learning Objectives
➤ Explain the importance of getting help after breast cancer treatment.
➤ Describe how to build a support system.
➤ Identify other types of support.
10.2.1 Finding Help & Support
Receiving help and support during your breast cancer experience can be very beneficial for your emotional, mental, and physical health (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012). You can find help and support through various means, including asking your healthcare team for resources.
Asking For & Accepting Help
You might have trouble asking for and accepting help (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012). This difficulty could be for a variety of reasons, including:
- thinking that needing help means you are weak.
- feeling selfish or like a burden for asking for help.
- struggling with your loss of independence. (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012)
Regardless of your reasons, receiving help and support is critical for your recovery (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012). You will often find that the people around you are more than happy to offer assistance in any way they can. Allowing someone to help you results in more opportunities to focus on your health and wellbeing and strengthen relationships with those closest to you.
10.2.2 Building a Support System
Your support system can help you through the difficulties and challenges during your breast cancer experience, so it is important to build and maintain it (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
The people in your support system can include friends, family, neighbours, your community, formal support areas, and others (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012). You might find it helpful to have a designated person who can help organize the people helping you.
If you do not feel like you are receiving enough support or do not know anyone, talk to your healthcare team to get help finding support systems in your community (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
10.2.3 Other Types of Support
You can receive support outside your friends and family through group and one-on-one settings.
Support Groups
Breast cancer support groups provide a way to express your feelings and talk about your breast cancer experience in a safe space (Canadian Breast Cancer Network [CBCN], 2018). You might feel less alone or gain a different perspective on life when you meet other people who have gone through a similar experience as you.
There are many support groups for you to choose from that are either in your community or in a virtual setting. (CBCN, 2018).
One-on-One Support
If you do not feel comfortable talking in a group setting, there is also one-on-one support you can access (CBCN, 2018). You can ask your healthcare team to refer you to a counsellor or therapist who you can talk to about your feelings and experiences.
