My close friend's husband was just diagnosed with cancer. What can I do for them?

Question

He was dx'd with Non-hodgkins lymphoma. They don't know how bad or what kind. He just had marrow test but is scheduled for chemo every 21 days for 6 cycles.
I feel a little helpless. What can I do to help or comfort them?

Answer 1

all you can do is tell them he is their prayers and look after them checking up abd showing you care. There is no use feeling sorry for him because there is nothing you can do. Bring over meals and stuff and just show him that you are still his friend because most cancer patiences are most concenered on how their friends will take it and that they will act weird around him so just be friendly and if he wants to talk about it then talk but other whise try to cheer him up.

Answer 2

All the above answers are good. Just be there for them. Call when he is in the hospital and be there to hold hands, lend a shoulder to cry on, run errands, or even just bring treats or take the wife out for meals if the chemo takes place over days.

I just returned from three months away from home while my husband was in the hospital. I appreciated the caring calls, the people who drove up to the hospital and took me away from it for a meal or just got me out of it for an hour or two. I appreciated the paperback books, magazines, little treats, and manicures my daughter took me to get. At home, I appreciated the fact that my neighbor was tending to my yard and watching the house for me. My son took over bill paying, my daughter made housing arrangements so I could stay close to the hospital. The many cards sent to let me know that thoughts and prayers were with us helped me feel like I wasn't alone in this fight. People sent gas cards, restauant cards and even American Express cards to help with expenses. Believe me, even the smallest gesture means a lot.

You can ask your friends what they need, but it is more helpful if you just do - no matter what it is. The chemo becomes more and more difficult and your friend will need comfort and support as much as her husband.

It is a rough road ahead and they are lucky to have such concerned friends. Without the wonderful people who have been there for us, I would have fallen apart worse than I have at times.

((((Hugs)))) Prayers and positive thoughts for your friends and for you.

Answer 3

They are going to have to be away from home a lot now, and even when they are home, he won't be feeling very good.
You will be a really big help by watering plants, feeding pets, collecting the mail, mowing lawns, preparing individual meals that can be frozen, shopping etc.
They will need to be surrounded by positive people. You can pull people into line (privately of course)when they start acting like sad sacks around your friends.
They need upbeat music and funny movies, anything that can take their minds off this bloody horrible time in their lives.
My positive thoughts go out to both of them, and I hope that his journey to health is a smooth one.

Answer 4

Talk to your friend. Go visit them. You might take them food if he is up to eating, especially on a rough day. Give your friend and her husband a hug. Be a listening ear. People really need to talk.

Answer 5

How about coordinating friends and family bringing in meals for them. When my wife had cancer, it was a great relief not to have to worry about meal preparation, work and care for my wife simultaneously.

Answer 6

first you pray for them than you go over and tell them that you will there for them . if you can make meals for them. have the church that they belong to know so they can try to make a collection for them for the bills since not everything is covered .just sit there and talk about anything they want to.drive them to the Dr's. or find someone who can.