 When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, the support of family and friends is often vital in the cancer patient’s battle against the disease. Along with cancer treatment comes immense physical and emotional stress that is hard for one to handle alone. Friends and family members often want to offer support to their loved ones, but often do not know what to say or do.
Here are some tips for lending support to a loved one that has cancer:
- Be yourself. Know that cancer does not change your loved one into a stranger. Be sure to treat your loved one as you always have.
- Keep the lines of communication open. Some cancer patients want to talk about their cancer and others do not. Make it clear to your loved one that you are always willing to listen and do not offer advice unless it is asked for.
- Maintain as much routine as possible. Although medical appointments and the need for rest may disturb a cancer patient’s normal schedule, strive to keep a regular daily routine in order to keep a sense or normalcy.
- Remember the power of love. A smile or hug can go a long way when words are hard to find. Know that spending time together can help provide comfort to a cancer patient no matter what the time may consist of.
- Be aware of the different stages that your loved one may go through. Guilt, shock, anger, fear, and indecision are just a few of the feelings that can be prompted by a cancer diagnosis. Know that because you are close to the cancer patient, you may be the target when they express these feelings. Do not take them personally.
- Do not overprotect your loved one who has cancer. While it is fine to help your loved one with meals, errands, or other activities if they need assistance, allow them to do these activities on their own if they are able-bodied. Allowing a cancer patient to make his or her own decisions about things helps to maintain a feeling of control.
- Discuss the future. Although every cancer patient’s situation is different, four out of ten people treated for cancer are living five years after diagnosis. Know that future plans can still be recognized, but do not be falsely optimistic or ignore that death may be a possibility.
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