When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, it is not only her life that changes. Everyone close to her is affected, especially her family and friends who also have to deal with it. Yet this difficult and traumatic period can also be a time for healing and bonding as the family members give the patient the love and support she needs to fight the disease and survive.

• Be there for her. She needs you more than ever now but her fear and discomfort may sometimes make her difficult or depressed. Even when there’s nothing to be said, a touch can say it all. Let her know she’s not alone. She just may need someone to hold her hand or listen to what she has to say.

• Act normal. Try to keep your family’s everyday routine but be sensitive to physical fatigue, emotional stress and the other needs of your loved one. Give her details about how things are being handled and ask for her input – even with small issues like household maintenance. Let her do as much for herself as possible so she doesn’t feel helpless but always be ready to lend a helping hand. For example, run errands with her and then treat her to a movie or lunch out for some quality bonding time.

• Be an advocate. Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition. Oftentimes, she can be reluctant to ask questions or clarify things with the doctor, so that should be your job. Make sure she gets the care she needs by accompanying her on medical appointments, asking questions and taking notes.

• Encourage your loved one to explore and discuss the range of available treatment options with her doctor as there are new technologies that can greatly help even patients with advanced breast cancer. For example, targeted therapies are a new kind of treatment that target faulty genes or proteins that contribute to the growth and development of cancer, thereby delaying its progression. It is more precise than traditional methods like chemotherapy as it only targets cancer cells and spares healthy ones, resulting in fewer side effects and improving the overall quality of life of the cancer patient during treatment.

• Don’t forget to take care of yourself too. While it’s important to be there for your loved one, you should also take time to look after your own well-being. Get enough rest and attend to your other activities. Don’t be afraid to seek out the support of friends and relatives – you don’t have to take care of the patient by yourself, stay positive.