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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.
- 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.
Apr 15, 2019 · When someone becomes ill, their usual role in the family is likely to change during treatment. Discuss how to handle those role changes, both when they begin treatment and when treatment comes to an end. At times patients may pull away because they feel overwhelmed by the care they receive.
Often, this repeating cycle of growing, shrinking, and stabilizing can mean survival for many years during which the cancer can be managed as a chronic illness. Treatment can be used to control the cancer, help relieve symptoms, and help you live longer.
Discover some of the most supportive things to say — as told by our online community. If someone you care about is diagnosed or living with cancer, we know it’s not always easy to find the right things to say. Acknowledging any challenges they may be experiencing in a compassionate and understanding way can be stressful.
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Palliative care is a type of care that provides physical, emotional, social and spiritual support for people with cancer and their families. Many people have doubts or fears about palliative care because they don’t understand what it is and then fear what they think it means.