SUPPORTING
SOMEONE WITH CANCER
- You make it
harder for the patient to express his/her fears and concerns if you always
act cheerful and positive
- Honour the
patient's wishes, even if you don't agree with them...you must allow the
patient to make his/her own decisions
- Show that
you care and that you are there to give support
- Don't say
things like " I know how you feel" or "Don't worry, everything
will be OK"
- Help the patient
develop a pleasure list
- List practical
ways in which you can help
- Improve your
communication and listening skills
- Realize the
effect the patient's illness can have on you; take care of yourself too
- Get other
people to stay in touch with the patient
- Help the patient
to start a journal
- Help the patient
to set up a coping strategy
