News
Together in Breast Cancer Survival
Fort Wayne, Indiana (May 30, 2007) — Finding out that your partner or spouse has been diagnosed with breast cancer can be just as difficult and overwhelming for you as it is for your loved one. There are many resources and support groups for women; however, until 2001, there were no resources specifically geared towards men.
Together in Breast Cancer Survival, “A Men’s Caregiver Support Group” was specifically founded by men to fill this void. The group not only helps men cope while their loved ones face this devastating disease, but it also offers them the tools needed to be supportive partners and caregivers. Together in Breast Cancer Survival offers support groups and a 24/7 help line via phone and email.
To learn more, visit www.partnersinsurvival.com or call (812) 283-8383. For after-hours help, contact Doug Drake at (812) 945-4393.
Tips
- Be a partner in the survival process by attending as many doctor appointments and treatments as possible.
- Keep a notebook. A woman undergoing chemotherapy often may experience weakened memory, so it can be very helpful if both she and her partner take notes at (and between) appointments, then compare their notes.
- Record your conversations with your oncologist. Naturally, you should always make sure she or he would allow you to do this. If so, it can be a very good reference later on as you try to remember the wealth of information you will be receiving about treatments, prognosis and recovery plans.
- Seek out available resources and educational materials. There are many websites with information on breast cancer, but be certain you are referencing a credible site (such as the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. at www.nationalbreastcancer.org).
Support the Vera Bradley Foundation’s mission to fund research for a cure.