Talk, watch movies, read, or just be with them. Allow the person to express fears and concerns about dying, such as leaving family and friends behind. Be prepared to listen. Be willing to reminisce about the person's life.
To start a conversation, it can help to say things like 'I know this is very difficult, but maybe it would help if we talked about how we feel, and what the future may bring'. Let them know that you feel sad too. Sharing feelings will help you both cope better.
Instead of hearing “What can I do?” cancer patients want to hear that you already have a specific task in mind. Many cancer patients will decline needing help when they are asked the broad question “What can I help with?” Choose something specific and get started on it.
Don't ask 'How are you?' For most of us, asking someone how they're feeling is a natural conversation opener, and we probably don't even think about the significance of the words. ...
“I know how you feel.” (Don't say this unless you've gone through cancer yourself and can empathize through personal experience.) “I know someone who passed away from cancer.” “I think you should try another treatment.” “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.”
Survivors are well advised to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. They can live with hope for a cure, a remission, or stable cancer without suffering and enjoy high quality of life with family and friends for as long as possible.
What do you say to someone who is dying in hospice?
“Thank you.” “Thanks for always being there for me” and “Thank you for being the loving person you are” are thoughtful things to say to someone receiving hospice care. “Please forgive me.” If you believe your loved one has any unresolved issues, it will be of relief to both of you to let those negative feelings go.
Offer encouragement through success stories of long-term cancer survivors. Avoid saying, “They had the same thing as you.” No two cancers are the same. And never tell stories with unhappy endings. If you know someone with the same type of cancer, offer to connect the two of them.
Put together a pretty tote bag or gift basket of thoughtful items especially for cancer patients. Options may include ginger chews (to help with nausea), coloring books and colored pencils, handheld games or game books, lip balm, unscented hand lotion, magazines, healthy snacks (nuts, popcorn or granola).
An urgent referral can be worrying. But remember that more than 9 in every 10 people (more than 90%) referred this way will not have a diagnosis of cancer. In England, an urgent referral means that you should see a specialist within 2 weeks.
Keep the focus on the patient: It's important to focus on the cancer patient's interests and needs rather than talking about personal experiences or complaints.
Stay in touch: Avoiding or ignoring someone with stage 4 cancer is likely to make them feel worse.
What are 3 comforting prayers for cancer patients?
Give them the courage and strength to fight another day and grant us the grace to use our pain to reach out with help and support. Dear Lord, we ask with all or our heart, please touch these special lives. Bless them with courage and hope, may all find solace in your loving embrace. Heal them in body, mind, and spirit.
What do you say to someone caring for terminally ill?
Encourage them to talk about their life, if they're able to and interested. Talking about memories can help affirm that their life mattered and that they'll be remembered. Just be there. Sometimes it's the companionship that is most appreciated – sit together and watch television or read.
