As a caregiver for someone with breast cancer, you have a difficult job. Though the focus of the caregiver is often solely on the person with cancer, it is important for you to take care of yourself as well.
VBCF has put together some resources for caregivers that can help you take the best care of your loved one, but also to take care of yourself. We have resource packets available for caregivers of patients with early-stage as well as metastatic breast cancer.
Get our FREE Caregiver Packet:
Resources to Get You Started
Check out a ‘Quick Guide for Busy Caregivers’ for tips and tricks to support you on your journey.
Online Support for Caregivers
Frankly Speaking About Cancer www.cancersupportcommunity.org
Resource for lots of different FREE materials about how to deal with different aspects of cancer.
Help for Cancer Caregivers www.helpforcancercaregivers.org
It’s in the name. Resources on how to handle being a cancer caregiver.
Family Caregiver Alliance www.caregiver.org
Check out their “New to Caregiving” section.
Caregivers and Family http://www.cancer.org/treatment/caregivers/index
How to care for someone with cancer, taking care of yourself as a caregiver, how to be supportive of someone with cancer.
Lend Them a Helping Hand https://lendthemahelpinghand.org/
Organize the help you need in your time of need. Use this website and app to create a help list and send it to friends or share on social media.
Lotsa Helping Hands http://lotsahelpinghands.com/
Website where you can coordinate a meal calendar.
Recommended Reading for Caregivers
The books below have been recommended by breast cancer survivors and caregiver resource groups. Since 2000, VBCF has provided grants to Virginia public libraries to purchase up-to-date breast cancer materials. You may be able to check these titles out at your local library. Resources also have a price indicator for a new copy, with $ being below $10, $$ being between $10-$30, and $$$ being above $30.
For All Caregivers
Things I Wish I’d Known: Cancer Caregivers Speak Out (Second Edition) ($-$$)
Author: Deborah J. Cornwall
When Life Becomes Precious: The Essential Guide for Patients, Loved Ones, and Friends of Those Facing Serious Illness ($-$$)
Author: Elise Babcock
When a Woman You Care About Has Breast Cancer ($)
From Frankly Speaking About Cancer. Order free copy at www.cancersupportcommunity.org.
For Husbands, Fathers, and other Male Caregivers
The Actual Dance: Love’s Ultimate Journey Through Breast Cancer ($-$$)
Author: Samuel A. Simon
Stand by Her: A Breast Cancer Guide for Men ($$)
Author: John W. Anderson
Breast Cancer Husband: How to Help Your Wife (and Yourself) During Diagnosis, Treatment and Beyond ($$)
Author: Marc Silver
To Read Together
Breast Support: If You or Someone You Love has Breast Cancer, You Need This Book ($)
Author: Gwendoline Smith
Couples Confronting Cancer ($$)
Authors: Joy L. Fincannon, R.N., M.S., Katherine V. Bruss, Psy. D.
For Friends
Treat Her Like a Princess: How to Help Your Girlfriend with Breast Cancer ($)
Author: Denise Hazen
Explore Social Support Resources to find support groups, counseling services, peer connections, and other resources for caregivers and families navigating breast cancer.
Need Help? VBCF is here for you.
Connect with our Resource Coordinator, Nikki Jennings. Call 1-800-345-8223, email help@vbcf.org or click the chat bubble at the lower right of this page.
