It is not always easy to know what to say to a loved one who was just diagnosed with cancer. Here are some dos and don'ts that may help. But remember, every person is different.
BY Kathy LaTour
PUBLISHED August 11, 2018
Kathy LaTour is a breast cancer survivor, author of The Breast Cancer Companion and co-founder of CURE magazine. While cancer did not take her life, she has given it willingly to educate, empower and enlighten the newly diagnosed and those who care for them.
Well, it’s nice to think I know all about how to talk to someone newly diagnosed with cancer since I’ve been doing it for more than 30 years – since my own diagnosis of breast cancer in 1986 and then researching it for CURE.Communicating with the newly diagnosed can be a challenge. In this time of texting, messaging, email and skype, it is important to know how they want to communicate – so ask. If you leave a message, be sure to say you are OK with them not returning the call since they have so much on their minds.
Don’t go by the hospital unless you know you are expected, and then don’t stay long. I have visited someone at the hospital when it was standing room only. The hospital is exhausting, so if you do find out they want you to come by, only stay a maximum of 10 minutes or so. If your friend is sleeping, write a note in their hospital notebook instead of staying around or, as I’ve seen a few people do, waking them up.
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