what to say to a friend that was just diagnosed with cancer?
19997
["“I'm here for you.”", '“You are in my thoughts and prayers.”', '“This stinks.”', '“Let me help you with…”', 'Tell a joke.', '“You are not alone.”', "“Any time you need to talk, I'll listen.”", '“What day works for a visit?”']
1000722
['I Love You. ... ', "You're Not Alone. ... ", 'Everyone Needs Help Sometimes. ... ', 'How Are You Feeling? ... ', 'How Can I Help? ... ', "Let's Hang Out. ... ", "I'm Proud of You. ... ", "I Know You Are Struggling, But There's Always Hope."]
58312
["Don't say, “It's going to be OK” ... ", 'But do say something. ... ', "Do make clear that you'll be there for them. ... ", "Do be careful about saying, “I'll pray for you” ... ", 'Do try to create a semblance of normalcy. ... ', "Do ask how they're doing — today. ... ", 'Do be a good listener. ... ', "Don't get squirmy at the end."]
930259
['"This was such a tragedy. Words can\'t express how sorry I am that this happened."', '"I am so sorry this happened. It makes no sense. Please feel free to call if you need to talk."', '"I was shocked to hear about this tragic news. I\'ll keep you and your family in my prayers."']
573865
Be honest and genuine. Try simply saying, “I can't imagine how hard this is,” or “I'm so sorry that you're going through this.” Don't always ask how they're feeling. Let them know they can share what they'd like, when they're ready.
169893
["Even though I feel sorry for your loss today, I also remember your birthday is today. I pray your pain eases as you appreciate God's loving gift of life today. ... ", 'So sorry for your pain and grief. ... ', 'Sometimes people we love go ahead to heaven to prepare a nice apartment for us there.']
457477
['Be intentional, show sympathy, and offer a listening ear. ... ', "Instead of trying to come up with the perfect words, express your sympathy with a simple, “I'm so sorry for your loss.” Then be quiet and truly listen to your friend. ... ", "Even if you've sent a sympathy note, call to express your condolences."]
16165
["“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.”"]
514174
["Don't ask 'How are you?' ... ", "Don't just focus on their illness. ... ", "Don't make assumptions. ... ", "Don't describe them as 'dying' ... ", "Don't wait for them to ask."]
1074439
['Cheer up! ... ', "To be honest with you, I don't have the words to make you feel better, but I do have the arms to give you a hug, ears to listen to whatever you want to talk about, and I have a heart: a heart that's aching to see you smile again."]
69971
['"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.']
764192
['You can say to a friend, "Sarah, you\'ve been my best friend since we were five years old. We\'ve been through so much together. ... ', "It's unlikely, but if you are asked this question by someone that you don't like or don't know well, try to be nice to them about it. Answer as sincerely as you can."]
314497
['Be empathetic. ... ', 'Be positive. ... ', 'Let them know that they are loved.', 'Reach out to them and offer your support.']
1360648
['“Thank you for all you do for us, but now is a time to take care of yourself as well.” ... ', "“I'm proud of you.” ... ", "“I hate that you're going through this, but I know that you've got this.” ... ", '“Remember when you were there for me? ... ', "“Here's how we're going to take care of your work while you're away.”"]
286535
['“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”', '“Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”', '“I wish you healing and peace.”', '“I hope you feel surrounded by much love.”', '“We are so sorry for your loss.”', '“We are thinking of you during these difficult times.”']
684476
["“I'm not sure exactly what to say, but I want you to know I care.”", '“You are in my thoughts/prayers.”', '“Can I bring you a dinner this week? ... ', '“If you want to talk about him/her, please feel free to call (or text) anytime.”', "“If you need me, I'll be there. ... ", '“My favorite memory with (____) is…”']
1413068
Comfort your friend by telling them about a time you or someone else you know struggled and needed support, and tell them how you/someone else went about getting help to feel better (but – avoid focusing the conversation on your problems since this may feel uncaring). They can feel better.