Anybody have any expreience what to say what not to say when the news comes back the cancer is terminal?
2007-01-03 06:41:48 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
what to say to the person who just found out their cancer is terminal
2007-01-03 06:52:27 · update #1
Both my parents had cancer, and both talked about dying PRIOR to any treatment. When the diagnosis comes, whether terminal or not, the thought of death is pervasive.
After being diagnosed and treated for lung cancer, my father was told he had terminal bladder cancer. This was not as much a suprise as a disappointment.
I was extremely close to my parents, so my response was probably more candid than someone of their acquaintance. And it went something like this:
'I, like you, and everybody else, was hoping for a different outcome. But I feel that in some way you are blessed. You have been given the opportunity to see the length of the path you have yet to walk on this earth. Now, we can both change our strides to better accomodate the pace of your life. From this day forward, let's see what trouble we can make!'
Humor DOES help.
I hoped this has helped. Just be yourself, and don't worry if you say something wrong: most likely when you do, they will tell you so!
Read "Cure" magazine if you get the chance. It's free, and it gives several perspectives on how cancer affects people.
Good Luck!
2007-01-03 09:34:53 · answer #1 · answered by firehorsegirl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a terrible thing to hear, whether it is about you or someone you love. When you find out that someone you love is dying from cancer just listen to them. There is no list of htings to say, even though we wish there was. You may feel helpless and at a loss for words. It can be very awkward. But don't run away from those feelings, or from them.
Offer them assistance, support and a shoulder to lean on. They may not be able to accept this kind of help from you right away, but just keep your antennae up for an opportunity to step in and help out.
2007-01-03 07:28:26 · answer #2 · answered by queenie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep the person company..talk, watch movies, read, or just be with them. Also it's important to allow them to express fears and concerns about dying, such as leaving family and friends behind. Be prepared to listen and reminisce about their life. Try and make their limited time enjoyable, see if there is something he/she has always wanted to experience, like going to a certain concert or bungi jumping. If so..help make it happen.
2007-01-03 07:57:44 · answer #3 · answered by goldengirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of the hardest things to deal with is people thinking they have to act different towards you, Just be yourself and say what is on your mind. The last thing the person with any terminal disease needs is for people to stop being themselves and acting differently towards them.
2007-01-03 07:41:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
tell them its going to be fine ask if there is anything they need help with show them you are there and support them
2007-01-04 01:55:15 · answer #5 · answered by mountainchowpurple 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry. I am here for you. Then, treat them as you always have. No pity.
2007-01-03 10:54:14 · answer #6 · answered by catzrme 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what to say to whom?
2007-01-03 06:43:47 · answer #7 · answered by S H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋