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Relatives and Friends of Cancer Patients

Cancer is a severe blow not only for the person with the disease but for his or her relatives and friends. In light of the illness, relatives and friends find they have to think about how they relate to cancer and the person who has it. It is hard to see a loved one becoming sick while at the same time learning new qualities and attitudes in oneself.

Many questions prey on cancer patient’s relatives’ and friends’ minds. Will he/she recover? What should you say to the person who has cancer? How can I best be a support? Should I talk about cancer to him/her? Many people feel that they are reacting and thinking about it wrongly.

Each person faces the crisis in his or her own way. It often takes a while before you are ready to take in the fact of having a serious illness. Work, hurrying about or drinking can all shield one from reality. Absorbing the situation will happen in its own time. A practical and calm approach will help you face the situation and avoid unnecessary trepidation.

The best support friends or relatives can give those with cancer is to be there for them and to be prepared to listen to them. It is better to encourage loved ones who are ill to talk about difficult matters than to try to get them to forget about their critical situation. It also takes courage on the part of listeners to confront their own feelings. Sometimes loved ones may feel disappointed if those who are ill do not respond as was hoped, but instead remain aloof or reject the help being offered them. However, the support and care that relatives and friends provide is not wasted.

Advice for the relatives and friends of people with cancer

  • Support the person with cancer as best you can: sometimes simply your presence and nearness are enough.
  • Keep up relationships outside the family: relatives and friends are needed for support during recovery.
  • Try to continue doing the things and recreation that have previously been a source of strength.
  • Supporting someone who is ill is easier when you deal with your own fears, for instance by discussing them with a third party.
  • Be available and tell the person who is ill that you are.
  • If the person who is sick withdraws and does not want to talk, continue to be present and to offer help.
  • Remember that the illness is tiring: if the person who is ill does not feel up to doing something together today, they might tomorrow.

Questions? Call +254 718 994 368 / 733 994 368 or E-mail: wecare@pathwayintl.co.ke

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