Season 2, Episode 42 - "Celebration of Breast Cancer Survivors"

Encouraging Messages for a Friend with Breast Cancer

It can be difficult to know what to say when someone’s sick, even if he or she is a close friend. It helps people to know that they have a cheerleader in their corner. You can be that support system with encouraging messages like these.

1. I know you were worried about how you’d look when you lost your hair during chemo. But honestly, you look just as beautiful as ever. You’re beautiful in a different way, but you’re still you.

Cancer and its resulting treatments have a big physical impact on patients. This includes changing the way people look. They may lose their hair or lose a significant amount of weight because treatment makes them so nauseous. They may gain weight thanks to water retention from certain drugs or lose one or both breasts due to a mastectomy.

Your friend might not articulate worries about changing looks but it’s a very valid struggle that breast cancer patients go through. No matter what changes your friend undergoes, you can reassure her that she still looks amazing.   

2. You do such a great job taking care of your kids even with everything else you’re dealing with. I really admire your commitment to being an active and engaged mother. 

Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 50. But it does happen to women in their 20s and 30s as well.

If your friend is in that age range, she’s likely balancing her recovery with caring for her family. Let your friend know you see her efforts and you appreciate everything she does. 

3. Every day I’m so impressed by how gracefully you’re dealing with your diagnosis. I know there are moments when you’re angry and sick and sad. But overall, you show so much positivity and strength. Thank you for letting me be there with you through all of the feelings you experience.  

Your friend may break down and reveal how tired and fearful she is. It’s an honor when a friend feels able to be vulnerable in front of you. Express your appreciation for that and let her know that even if she sees moments of darkness, you also see and admire her.  

Encouraging Messages for a Family Member with Breast Cancer

Breast cancer patients often feel like they have to put on a brave face to the world around them. It’s around their family members that they may allow themselves to be more vulnerable.

You can pay them back for that level of trust by listening to their concerns and validating them. But you can also build them back up with powerful messages of strength. 

4. Today is such an important day! I’m so proud of you for making it through all of your chemotherapy treatments. I know they were absolutely grueling. I wish you didn’t have to endure them, but you have persevered and you deserve to celebrate your success. 

When a patient hits a milestone like completing treatment, that deserves to be celebrated. Send an encouraging message to congratulate your family member on his accomplishments. He’ll find your enthusiasm rewarding and energizing. 

5. Mom, I have always looked up to you so much. Watching the way you have fought breast cancer has been incredibly inspirational. You’ve always been so strong and such a fighter. As always, you’ve proven that there’s no situation that you can’t handle.     

Moms are the people who take care of us. When they get a serious illness, it can be incredibly frightening. Let your mom know that you have always admired the way she fights. It will give her the strength to keep fighting through this.  

6. You’ve always been a role model to me. I especially admire how well you take care of people. But I want you to know that it’s okay to let other people take care of you, too. I won’t think