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Old friends abandon after diagnosis?

Page last modified on: October 16, 2008

Question from irene4: I am 42 years old and all of my friends of 15-20 years have abandoned me since my diagnosis. I do not have anyone to drive me to/from the hospital to care for me for my upcoming reconstruction surgery. I have no family either. What can I do???: Answers —Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.: I would suggest that one look to a wider audience and perhaps there are other people who have come forward during this time to be helpful. And if old friends have been a disappointment, are there new people in your life that you can count on? It may also be helpful to join a local support group to meet other people struggling with similar issues to see how they solve these problems.; Marc Silver, author: Don't be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes I felt that I could handle things with my wife on my own, but even the two of us needed to ask for help at times. Sometimes people may stay away from you out of fear. If you approach them with a specific request for assistance they may be grateful for the chance to help.

On Wednesday, February 21, 2007, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Partners, Loved Ones, Caregivers: Taking Care of You. Author Marc Silver and moderator Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W. answered your questions about how you can take care of your loved one and yourself during and after breast cancer treatment.

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

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

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.