I was given a packet of information from a friend and in it was included a list of Things People with Cancer Want You to Know. I thought this would be helpful to some of you as I pretty much agree with most of these statements.
1) It’s ok to say or do the wrong thing
2) I need to know that you are here for me
3) I like to hear success stories, not horror stories
4) I am terrified
5) I need you to listed to me
6) Asking my permission can spare me pain
7) I need to forget and laugh
8) I need to feel hope
9) Telling me to think positively can me me feel much worse
10) I want you to trust my judgement and my treatment decisions
11) I want compassion, not pity; comfort not advice
12) I am more than my cancer; treat me kindly not differently
13) I want you to help me without asking
14) I like to be held in your thoughts and prayers
15) My mood changes from day to day, forgive me if I snap at you
16) Hearing platitudes or what’s good about cancer can trivialize my feelings
17) I don’t need to know why I got cancer, and I don’t want to hear your theory
18) I need you to understand if I don’t return your call or want to see you
19) I want my caregiver to take good care of himself or herself
20) I don’t know if I am cured, and bring up my health can bring me down