what to say to someone diagnosed with cancer?
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.']
758806
Listen to what the person dying tells you. They may want to talk about dying, their fears or plans. Try not to prompt an answer that confirms what you think or your hope that things could be better. If you think they'd find it easier to talk to a spiritual care practitioner, offer to put them in touch with one.
1323157
Don't try to minimize their loss, provide simplistic solutions, or offer unsolicited advice. It's far better to just listen to your loved one or simply admit: “I'm not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care.” Be willing to sit in silence. Don't press if the grieving person doesn't feel like talking.
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."]
1087179
If you're very close to the person having surgery, telling them you love them will always be the way to go. Also, feel free to offer something exciting to look forward to after their recovery. This can be a great source of both comfort and determination.
1320359
Instead say: I'm so sorry to hear that. What a shock for you. I know that there have been a lot of improvements in breast cancer treatments.
912326
['Start by simply asking how he/she is.', "Explore what it's like for him/her to have a sick family member.", 'Ask the person what would be helpful to him/her.', 'Follow up; more than one conversation is likely not enough.', 'Say simple yet supportive things.', "The number one rule is don't try to fix it."]
1248983
['What are my treatment options?', 'What do you recommend and why?', 'How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?', 'Should I get a second opinion? ... ', 'What would the goal of the treatment be?', 'How quickly do we need to decide on treatment?', 'What should I do to be ready for treatment?']
82278
["“I'm sorry.”", "“I'm so sorry for your loss.”", "“I'm sorry to hear the news.”", "“I'm thinking of you.”", "“I'm not sure what to say or do but I am here and I am so sorry.”", "“Please let me know if there's anything you need.”"]
1034753
["“I'm so sorry that you are going through this. ... ", '“Despite all the troubles in the world, I hope you are doing well.” ... ', '“My heart is breaking for you. ... ', '“You are important to me. ... ', '“I recently heard about your loss. ... ', '"Are you okay?”']
972206
["“You're the best.”", "“I'm humbled and grateful.”", '“You knocked me off my feet!”', '“My heart is still smiling.”', '“Your thoughtfulness is a gift I will always treasure.”', '“Sometimes the simplest things mean the most.”', '“The banana bread was fabulous. You made my day.”', "“I'm touched beyond words.”"]
1092079
['Listen to what your loved one is really saying. ... ', "Remember that it's not your fault. ... ", 'Be an advocate for your loved one. ... ', "Make sure the patient's physical needs are being adequately met."]
1364391
['Listen. ... ', 'Give advice only when you are asked. ... ', 'Educate yourself about cancer. ... ', "Support your loved one's treatment decisions. ... ", 'Remember the caregiver. ... ', 'Stay connected. ... ', 'Keep things normal.']
55364
People with breast cancer really do want your thoughts and prayers -- even if you haven't been in touch for years. Let your friend know you're thinking of her by dropping a nice note or beautiful card in the mail. Even just a text message once in a while will brighten her day.
147447
["“How do you always seem to know when I need to hear that? You're the best.”", '“Back at you! Hope all is well.”', "“Don't worry about me. ... ", '“Thank you. ... ', '“Thank you for thinking of me!”', '“I am so glad I have friends like you.”', '“I was just thinking of you, too! ... ', '“That makes two of us.”']
566151
["I don't know what to say, but I care about you.", 'Do you just need to vent? ... ', 'I really admire how you are handling this. ... ', "I'm bringing dinner Thursday. ... ", 'Can I get your kids for a play date? ... ', "I can't sit still. ... ", "I saw these flowers and thought they'd cheer you today."]
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."]