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Worried about friend running herself down?

Page last modified on: September 24, 2008
Question from Wendy Girl: My friend is trying to be Super Mom through her treatment. I keep asking her to slow down and let her friends help, but this seems to make her angry. I am worried she will run herself down too much and it could harm her treatment. Any ideas?
Answer —Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.: Right now she's doing what she needs to do. She's not ready to fully accept the diagnosis and the impact it's having on her life. It reassures her to maintain her role as Super Mom. While I have seen this behavior many times, I have never seen it compromise treatment. And eventually, the patient becomes so exhausted that she generally is able to let friends and family help.

On Wednesday, September 15, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Family and Loved OnesRosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W., author Marc Silver, and moderator Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about the issues surrounding family members and caregivers living with and caring for women affected by breast cancer.


The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W. is administrative supervisor for psychosocial programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Lauder Breast Center in New York City, where she leads weekly support groups for women with early and advanced breast cancer.

Marc SilverMarc Silver is the author of Breast Cancer Husband: How to Help Your Wife (And Yourself) Through Diagnosis, Treatment, and Beyond.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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