There are many instructive testimonies to show how much faster and more lasting improvements were seen in patients who were surrounded by a loving family.
Cancer is a major challenge for both the patient and the people around them. Everyone wants to support a partner, family member or friend with cancer during the illness, but not everyone knows how to do this in a way that really benefits the patient.
People who are in contact with a cancer patient often don't know what to say or ask so as not to hurt their feelings. Where is the line from where the intention to help becomes more tactless? In such a situation, give the person concerned the freedom of choice, as he or she is facing the disease. Try to gently gauge whether or not he/she wants to talk about cancer and shape communication accordingly. In addition, the expert says, the patient can give a signal without words.
- Avoid wailing and lamenting, do not push your family member or relative into the role of patient. "If a healthy relative or friend shows signs of despair and hopelessness, it can push the patient even deeper into the worst period of his or her life," she says.
- Attention and empathy should be the constant keywords when communicating with the patient. Think about what we would do in a similar situation, how we would react to the news of the illness and the treatment.
In addition to kind words and support, knowing that their loved ones are safe can also give the patient a sense of security, as they may immediately think that as a patient they can no longer carry out their tasks as they would if they were healthy. Those who are not unprepared for the diagnosis have a much better chance of fighting the disease, and part of that preparation is financial security. For a person in recovery, it can be a relief to know that their loved ones will have support if they fall ill themselves.
Many stories of illness can be found on the internet that can help others. Many blogs and support groups, for example, have been set up to help people affected by cancer to share with their peers what it has meant to live with the disease, whether in a family setting or not. There are many instructive testimonies to show how much faster and more lasting improvements were seen in patients who were surrounded by a loving family.
