Chapter 10: What to do for someone who has cancer

Things you can do for them:

  • Accompany them to doctor appointments and treatments. A second set of ears is invaluable. Take notes for them. Let them know they’re not alone. Distract them from unpleasant or frightening treatments. Massage their feet with love.
  • Cook up big pots of delicious, easy-to-reheat-and-digest organic soups They may not feel like cooking and digestion and appetite may be a challenge. At some points in their treatments, they may need them pureed.
  • Pre-make organic juices and teas. Cut up fruit and steam and season veggies.
  • Help them organize their test results into a binder. Go over them with them.
  • Encourage them to do whatever light exercise they can. Make a game out of it.
  • Help with kids, pets, spouses, and home care.
  • Help set up a communications system so they can post updates once and not have to field lots of the same exhausting questions. See www.caringbridge.org
  • Look straight into their eyes and let them tell you the uncomfortable stuff.
  • Hear what they are saying without putting your own spin on it.
  • Realize that at this particular point in life, it’s about them, not you.
  • Don’t say that if only they had done this or that, they wouldn’t have cancer.
  • Don’t joke that Hey, we’re ALL terminal.
  • Tell them you believe in them. Tell them I believe in them. Believe in them.
  • Love them unconditionally.

Gift items:

 

Print out this page and give it to your loved ones who are well-intentioned but struggling to process your diagnosis.

 

 

This post on what to do for someone who has cancer is from Book 2 of my Thrive Tribe Series, What I Did and Do and Why, a naturopathic protocol that helps me to survive and thrive, available from the bookstore, starting at $7. I am posting the entire book sequentially, in its entirety, on this blog once a week. Subscriptions are free.

Nothing contained on this website nor in my blogs or books should be construed as medical advice. I am not a doctor. I am a Stage IV metastatic breast cancer thriver who is currently NEAD and simply sharing my journey in the hopes it helps you to find your power and path. Please research anything I share to determine if it is a good choice for you. I believe in you! Bless you all on the path you choose.

All original content contained on this blog, What I did and do and why, is copyrighted 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 Kaiulani Facciani, Snarling Wolf, Inc.