Tips on Bringing Cheer to Cancer Survivors

Many times we find it awkward access to someone recently diagnosed with the disease. And when the disease is cancer, particularly people fear saying or doing the wrong thing. As well-meaning friend or relative to say or do to cheer on the cancer patient?
Since I have dealt with two rounds of breast cancer, from personal experience I can confirm what will probably be received well and what does not. Here are my quick tips:
Since I have dealt with two rounds of breast cancer, from personal experience I can confirm what will probably be received well and what does not. Here are my quick tips:
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• Instead of asking: "How do you feel?" recognize problems and to offer the prayer.

2 Let patients know that they are not expected to respond by sending the card or leave a message.
3 Learn to listen: do not steal the patient's story and take the show.

... 4 Prayer is nearly always welcome, but no advice or products.
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• I do not insist that the patient adopt your advice or swallow the latest food fad. Ban from your vocabulary words: "You ...." The patient should consult a doctor if he / she has any doubt. False alarm is inappropriate.
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• platitudes of Scripture (Romans 8:28) and a simplified adages ("What does not kill us makes us stronger" or "apple a day keeps the doctor away")
• "You are lucky because you caught it early," or "This is a" good "type of cancer"
• "In the five years after diagnosis, you will be cured"
• "You look good!" (instead, compliment or clothing accessories)
• "Hi, this is January It is a cancer survivor,"
• "Do not be so sensitive, I was just teasing,"
• "You'll do fine, you have a positive attitude" (the patient can not always exude a positive attitude)
• "I know how you feel" (even if you have the same disease, be careful, because every patient's experience with the diagnosis, treatment and personal situation is unique)
• "your cancer diagnosis can be wrong" (rare pathology tests false)
6 The first call before leaving the patient in hospital or at home. Keep visits short 7 When dealing with very sick, use your intuition, if he / she becomes teary eyes.
• Romans 12:15 tells us to weep with those who weep
• Ecclesiastes 3 ​​addresses the season, including the time for joy and crying
8 Ask your oncologist how you can help the patient:
• Example: try to exclude the patient from jury duty, or get a DMV handicap placard for the patient as appropriate
• Conduct research on treatment options and insurance, if the patient wants. Looking nih.gov, Mayo Clinic, medical or web presentation Honcode logo
• Bid of all doctor visits, take notes or recording conversations
9 Find a Cancer Center Library,. To get a list of books and recordings of the patient can enjoy the 10 Be specific about anything you can offer:
• Example: "Can I clean, cook, or provide a ride or companionship"
11 Touching - first check that is welcome, and then gently,. Hugs can hurt 12 Send a greeting via mail or e-mail: Get-well cards are fine.
• If you share a Bible verse, write it, and not just give a reference
• to know the patient before sending any humorous
• Not long after treatment ends, send a second card (or gift) to show that you remember
13 Gift ideas:
• Not all patients to lose weight - offer fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins
• Give coupons salon massage the scalp, face or hair or wig styling treatment
• Give coupons salon massage the scalp, face or hair or wig styling treatment ...
  I hope you find these suggestions useful. I believe that they are useful in dealing not only with cancer survivors, and those with other chronic diseases, including diabetes, arthritis and diseases of the circulatory system.
  Let common sense be your guide as you try to comfort and help and enjoy spending time with loved ones-emergency medical diagnoses.
  Additional reference:
  
  • Blog:
  • Lori Hope,
  • Dr. Wendy Harpham,
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