Search results
Jun 26, 2023 · There are some common symptoms that most often happen in people with cancer who are dying. All might not happen, but it may help you to know about them. Changes in body function. Extreme weakness. May have trouble moving around in the bed and might not be able to get out of bed. May not be able to do much for themselves.
- Be present, even if you don’t know what to say. It can be hard to find the right words to say to a loved one with terminal cancer. But often, showing up with a listening ear is far more important than knowing exactly what to say.
- Allow yourself to feel complex emotions. A terminal cancer diagnosis can understandably bring a variety of emotions. These might include sadness, fear, anxiety, anger, shock, hopelessness and existential dread.
- Avoid statements that compare or minimize someone's cancer experience. Lee suggests avoiding excessive positivity or statements that start with ‘at least’ when discussing terminal cancer.
- Help without being asked. “Let me know if you need anything” can sound like a helpful way to support someone with cancer, but it can also create work. “It puts the burden back on the person with cancer to determine what they need or ask for help,” Lee says.
- Listen first. Not sure what to say? That’s OK. Sometimes your friend may not even want to talk. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want you there. Often it’s enough just to sit quietly with your friend.
- Don’t worry that you’ll say the wrong thing. At some point you have to talk – even if it makes you feel awkward. There are no perfect words, but “What are you feeling?”
- Learn about the type of cancer your friend has. Cancer comes in many forms. Each can have different effects. Your friend may not wish to explain theirs to you because it’s draining emotionally and physically to do so again and again.
- Make sure the time is right for you to visit. A visit to your friend can boost their spirits and yours, plus give caregivers a much-needed break. Just remember always to contact them first and be sure they’re up to it.
- Helpful Things to Say to A Person with A Serious Illness
- Unhelpful Things to Say to A Person with A Serious Illness
- Steering Toward Acceptance
Don't be afraid to talk with your friend who has a serious diagnosis, even if you're not quite sure what to say. Just being there and saying something is important. Here are some good options to guide your conversation. 1. "I don't know exactly what to say, but please know how much I care." 2. "What can I do for you?" Dr. Fisher says to make sure y...
Of course, you would never want to hurt your friend's feelings, but sometimes you might say something that you don't even realize is offensive or insensitive. Here are some general phrases to avoid. 1. "I know exactly how you feel."Even if you've experienced a serious illness yourself, you don't know exactly how your friend is feeling, so don't pre...
Supporting someone who has a serious illness can help them start to accept their situation and fully engage in their treatment for it.
Nov 17, 2021 · Here's what you can expect when caring for someone with cancer: The role will evolve. “I break cancer caregiving into stages, just like we do with cancer treatment,” says Dr. Griffin. “There is the early stage around diagnosis and treatment planning, there's the active treatment stage, and then there's survivorship.
Sep 21, 2017 · Do Tailor Your Talk. Keep in mind that fatigue is a common side effect of many cancer treatments, says Dr. Smith. So asking your friend to fill you in on every scan, blood draw and diagnostic detail may be more draining than restorative.
People also ask
Should you keep treating cancer that doesn't go away?
What should I do if I have cancer?
Can you help a loved one with a cancer diagnosis?
Can cancer be cured?
Is it normal to feel uncomfortable visiting a friend with cancer?
Cancer can be closely watched and treated, but sometimes it never completely goes away. It can be a chronic (ongoing) illness, much like diabetes or heart disease. This is often the case with certain cancer types, such as ovarian cancer, chronic leukemias, and some lymphomas.
