In this month of raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research and for the patients themselves, it’s also important to recognize the caregivers: the family and friends who are assisting with the tough parts of recovery and the everyday tasks that require help in early days after breast cancer surgery.
Start by looking around at the people you know who are quietly helping someone, the spouse or close friend, the child or the parent. Unfortunately, these days we all know someone who is probably burning the candle at both ends, who’s tired or emotionally spent or who is struggling to care for themselves while being a caregiver.
So how can you support them? Just as a post-surgical bra comforts the patient, the caregiver is sure to appreciate a phone call, a card or kind words to acknowledge what they're going through. However, if you have the money to spend on them, here are some of our favorite ideas for sending comfort:
Flowers from a local florist. We are all about supporting small business and working with local growers, so take a moment to look up the florists in their neighborhood, order their favorite flowers and have them delivered with a card that sends words of encouragement and hope.
A weighted blanket. Let them cozy up with a blanket that not only warms, it comforts them. There are many to choose from, at lots of different price points, so we recommend shopping a list that reviews them from every aspect, like this one from New York magazine.
A gift card to pamper themselves. Whether it’s a new outfit, a spa day or a general gift card that allows them to pick something out, a gift card is easy to send and will certainly bring a smile to their face. Some companies have featured breast cancer awareness themed gift cards that benefit the cause for each purchase.
Gourmet soup from Spoonful of Comfort. Customize a warm and wonderful meal for the caregiver with delicious flavors and mouthwatering bread and cookies too. This removes some stress of cooking or grabbing whatever is easy rather than what’s nourishing.
Treats from Sugarwish. Let them pick from wine, candies and more with this easy-to-send text or email gift. With various size options for every budget, you can select categories and they simply choose what they want and it’s sent, shipping included. It’s an experience and a gift that they’ll remember.
A health tracking device. Sitting with a patient and focusing on their needs can keep the caregiver from moving around to keep their own health in check. While some health trackers may pester us with reminders to move, this is exactly what they may need to care for themselves. From Fitbit to Oura, this Wired listcovers their picks for the best fitness trackers and watches now.
A subscription to a meditative app. We all relax in different ways, so while one person may love the Calm app for winding down, another may like to escape with Headspace. We suggest you do a little research and then get them set up with a few months of service.
Back to the phone call, card, kind words or message with your gift, it’s hard to know what to say sometimes. Here are some ideas for inspiration:
- Thank them for their work and how it impacts your life
- Recognize the challenging aspects of what they’re doing
- Let them know their efforts are noticed and appreciated
- Tell them they are doing a great job
- Remind them they are making a difference
- Choose a favorite quote that offers encouragement
Another gift they’ll appreciate? Just getting to talk while you listen. Whether the patient is recovering from a mastectomy, going through radiation or chemotherapy, healing from a surgery to remove lymph nodes or experiencing other treatments for breast cancer, the caregiver is working to support them physically and emotionally. They too need a shoulder to cry on or an outlet for their own feelings. The gift of your time is just as important as any gift you can send them. However you choose to honor them, they'll truly cherish the fact that someone cares and is taking the time to show it.