message from margaret
Dear Readers, Putting aside your own needs when a loved one is going through breast cancer may come naturally, but it?s important to make sure not to neglect yourself in the process. To address these ideas, we?re focusing Lifeline on coping with the challenges and enjoying the rewards of being a caregiver. We know that breast cancer affects the whole family and circle of friends, so caregivers need support, too. No one can effectively care for someone else while ignoring their own needs. Whether you identify with the term ?caregiver,? or simply consider yourself a concerned friend, you?ll find this newsletter helpful. It may appear to outsiders that caring for a patient is valiant and selfless, but we also know that there?s pride and even enjoyment in tending to the person you love. Being there for someone when she needs you is so valuable. On the other hand, the situation is not without difficulties. Your loved one might not want to be a burden, so she resists your help. Or you might find it difficult to balance your loved one?s independence with your own ideas about how situations should be handled. A valuable resource is YourShoes TM 24/7 Breast Cancer Support Center, helping anyone touched by breast cancer find immediate emotional relief. Husbands and partners can take advantage of our partners match program and be paired with someone who has supported a loved one through breast cancer. Talking through concerns and difficulties with someone who?s walked in your shoes can make all the difference. This issue of Lifeline also brings you a summary of the findings presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in December.The aim of the write up is to help you or your loved ones be informed about the latest in treatment so that you may be an active member of your health care team. If you have any questions about what you read, please discuss them with your doctor or call our YourShoes peer counselors at 800-221-2141. Thirty years ago, there were no patient resources such as YourShoes, and people with breast cancer didn?t know where to turn. Since then, survivors and their families have found comfort and knowledge in Breast Cancer Network of Strength ® . As we near the end of our 30th anniversary year, we want to thank all of you who have supported us, and each other, over the years. It truly makes a difference to have a network of strength during the breast cancer journey. Best wishes, Margaret C. Kirk President & Chief Executive Officer 2 Spring 2009 Volume 118
We want to hear from you
We welcome your reactions, comments and thoughts. Please e-mail us at contact@networkofstrength.org, write via the Web site?www.networkofstrength.org? or mail to Breast Cancer Network of Strength Attn: Lifeline Editor, 212 W. Van Buren Street, Suite 1000 Chicago, IL 60607 Please include the city and state where you live. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. All names and locations will be included unless otherwise requested.
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