What do you do when your best friend is diagnosed with cancer?

Helpful tips when supporting a friend

1. Ask permission. Before visiting, giving advice, and asking questions, ask if it is welcome.
2. Make plans. Do not be afraid to make plans for the future.
3. Be flexible.
4. Laugh together.
5. Allow for sadness.
6. Check in.
7. Offer to help.
8. Follow through.

What do you say to someone recently diagnosed with cancer?

Here are some ideas:

• “I’m not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care”.
• “I’m sorry to hear that you are going through this”.
• “How are you doing?”
• “If you would like to talk about it, I’m here”.
• “Please let me know how I can help”.
• “I’ll keep you in my thoughts”.

What do you say when someone gets a bad diagnosis?

1. I care for you and I’m here for you.
2. If you feel like talking I’m here to listen.
3. Many people in a situation like yours would have that reaction.
4. It seems reasonable to me to be feeling sad.
5. I can hear it has been really hard for you to share, thank you for sharing.
6. You’ve been going through a really tough time.

What do you say to a friend who is struggling with cancer?

What to Say to a Cancer Patient

• “We’ll get through this together.
• “I am praying for you.”
• “Go to MD Anderson.
• “I am here for you.” Then follow through and really be there.
• Don’t ask what you can do to help or say, “Let me know if you need anything.” Many people will never ask for help even though they need it.

How can I help someone going through chemo and radiation?

19 ways to help someone during cancer treatment

1. Take care of the grocery shopping, or order groceries online and have them delivered.
2. Help keep their household running.
3. Bring a cup of tea or coffee and stop by for a visit.
4. Give the primary caregiver a break.
5. Drive the patient to appointments.

Can cancer change your personality?

A cancer diagnosis can affect the emotional health of patients, families, and caregivers. Common feelings during this life-changing experience include anxiety, distress, and depression. Roles at home, school, and work can be affected. It’s important to recognize these changes and get help when needed.

How do you respond when someone shares bad news about someone’s health?

Common Expressions:

1. I’m so sorry to hear that!
2. What awful news! I’m sorry.
3. I’m sorry to hear such terrible news.
4. I’m very sorry – that must be awful/frustrating/scary/difficult.
5. If there’s anything I can do, just let me know.
6. I really don’t know what to say, I can’t believe it. I’m very sorry.

How can I be a friend to someone with cancer?

With that said, in all my cancer patient expertise (an expertise that no one really wants), I have come up with five ways to be a friend to someone with cancer. 1. Be Normal. This seems like common sense, but it has to be said.

What kind of questions do you ask someone with cancer?

Questions or statements regarding time. When a good friend or close family member has cancer, the topic of death might come up, and that’s ok. Just make sure you follow the person with cancer’s lead and ask questions that are appropriate to the conversation.

What is the best thing to say to someone with cancer?

“You’re so brave” or “You’re so strong.” You might think this is an encouraging thing to say to a friend with cancer, and maybe in some cases it is. However, telling someone they are brave and strong might put pressure on them that they can’t always handle.

What should a person with cancer be allowed to experience?

A person with cancer should be allowed to experience feelings like fear and uncertainty, as unpleasant as they may be. Questions or statements regarding time. When a good friend or close family member has cancer, the topic of death might come up, and that’s ok.