not feel comfortable asking for help. I’ve discovered that there are many things you can do. Make a meal for her and her family. Don’t be so much concerned about what she is able to eat; as long as her family has a meal it will take a weight off of her shoulders. Any food you bring will be appreciated, and it is especially helpful if you bring a meal that is easily frozen to be reheated later. Bring her a movie, a cup of coffee, a single flower or a balloon. As long as you are healthy, ask her if you can stop over for a short visit. Send cards and letters often and call to check in. My sister-in-law lives a good distance away from me. My husband and I made a routine of calling her every weekend to talk and catch up. We’d focus on topics such as hobbies, interests and family, to keep conversation on something besides her illness. We would utilize her great sense of humor and come up with funny ideas and stories to keep her spirit going. I would write her letters and we would send her the funniest cards we could find. If your friend lives near, you can help with laundry, house work, yard work, or offer to babysit her children so she can rest. Help get groceries, run errands or offer to drive her home from chemo treatments. Just a bit of your time can make something feel less overwhelming for her. Getting through I’ve learned from these amazing women that the most important thing is to remain positive. They would look for the positives anywhere they could find them rather than dwell on the negative. They celebrated the little things: one more treatment done, feeling a little better, having a good day, good test results. They felt blessed to be able to be treated with surgery and/or treatment. At some point during treatment they didn’t feel well, but it did not get any of them down. One stressed the importance of getting up in the morning, taking a shower and putting on her make-up. It made her feel better about herself and the compliments she received boosted her self-esteem even more. They all let their inner beauty continue to shine through. They found doctors that they were extremely comfortable with. If they did not agree with their doctor’s advice or doctor’s personality, they sought another physician. They were determined and unwavering. They found their backbone, weren’t afraid to ask questions, do their own research or say “no” to something. They learned that they could lean on family and friends for support. Continue your support I came to realize how long and ongoing cancer treatment can be. There will be ups and downs, good days and bad days. It is so important to continue your support throughout the entire process, even after treatment is complete. Our weekly phone calls to my sister-in-law have lasted long past her treatment and we’ve become closer than ever. I would never have thought that her cancer would actually have brought us closer together. You might find that hearing of someone’s cancer diagnosis will give you a reason to give of yourself that much more; it may even end up strengthening your bond with someone. Why not turn this ugly word into a beautiful friendship? Do you want relief from constant sinus infections and congestion? Trying to avoid the stress and hassle of a hospital operating room procedure? Consider In Office Balloon Sinuplasty TM • Local anesthesia •Fast recovery •Walk out of office •Work very next day • Comfortable surroundings •30 minute procedure Visit www.entellusmedical.com or www.balloonsinuplasty.com for more information. Contact us at 605-665-0062 to discuss the best treatment option for you. David J. Abbott, M.D. Micah M. Likness, M.D. Board Certified Otolaryngologist Otolaryngologist Beth J. Beeman Todd A. Farnham Au.D, CCC-A Au.D, CCC-A We’re H“ear” ForYou! EAR, NOSE & THROAT ASSOCIATES, P .C. References: www.cancer.org Lewis & Clark Medical Plaza 2525 Fox Run Parkway, Suite 101, Yankton, SD www.entyankton.com • 605-665-0062 • 1-866-665-0062 n By Julie Eickhoff HERVOICE MAY/JUNE 2014 v 9