Sister recently diagnosed with breast cancer

My sister has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23. She has a lumpectomy next week and once she is recovered (3-4 weeks) she will begin chemotherapy then radiation. I want to be able to offer my support in the most helpful ways possible. I'm just looking for some advice on what to expect during treatment and any ways I can make the next few months better for her. Sorry if this is a little vague I'm just looking for general advice or any tips from people who have been in this situation themselves. Thank you:)

  • Hello,

    Having got through breast cancer myself, I would say the best kind of support you can provide is just help toward everyday mundane things. Pick up the hoover for her, do a bit of food shopping, make some meals such as spag bol that she can freeze and easily just heat up, go for a gentle, local stroll with her to ensure she gets some fresh air rather than being stuck at home...

    If you want to chat, feel free to add me as a friend on here. Best wishes

  • Hi KP1999, I know where you're coming from. When my younger sister was diagnosed it was heartbreaking. Like coll0042 said, the mundane things like shopping, housework are important and sometimes just being there with her, in your pjs and watching Netflix is just as supportive. 
    Your sister may not take everything in that's being said by the doctors either so maybe write down any questions she may have so she can take them to her appointments. My sister used to forget what she wanted to ask and remember when we left. I started a notebook and wrote everything down. I still have it now, 6yrs on!

    It doesn't matter how trivial the questions seem, ask away, the doctors don't mind. 

    When she's going through chemo, she may not want to eat. Try pre-making some soups or her favourite foods and have some biscuits handy. A cup of tea and some breakfast biscuits maybe all she wants. Ginger ones are good for any sicky feeling and do are the complain shakes. It might only be a shake but they have the nutrients. 
    Radiotherapy doesn't take long in itself, around 20mins but being daily it can take its toll on your sister and whoever takes her.
    You'll get a schedule of appointments, try and spread them out between people if you can, you'll need to keep your strength up to support your sister so accept any help if it's offered. 
    It will be a bit of a rollercoaster and there maybe times you also need some support. 
    I called Macmillon just to talk to someone outside of the family, they were great, this chat forum is good too. 
    Feel free to ask any questions or vent if you need to. 
    Take care, wishing you all the best xx