Lending Support During a Difficult Illness

Despite medical breakthroughs and longer life expectancy, many diagnoses are still frightening. And it can be hard to know how to communicate with a patient and their loved ones. That’s what happened to a friend. Her best friend’s mom was diagnosed and treated for cancer. Things were on an even keel and then the cancer came back. The best friend isn’t willing to discuss it and my friend wonders what’s appropriate to say or do for the mom? When you don’t know how things stand and someone isn’t open to discussing it, what are your options?

A personal note is a kind and nonintrusive way to let someone know you care. It gives you the ability to reach out and allows the patient the opportunity to decide whether they want to pursue any further contact. Whatever the outcome, you’ve delivered your message.

So what do you say to someone dealing with a difficult illness? You say you care. Here’s an example:

Dear Mrs. Peters,

I’ve thought of you so often these last few months and wondered what I could do to let you know that I care. It’s hard to know what to say or do as I haven’t wanted to intrude. I want you know how sorry I am that you’ve had to go through this. I will keep you in my thoughts and continue to hope for the very best outcome.

With much warmth,

Cindy

​​photo credit: BournemouthBC <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/69522820@N03/28783538962">Help giving</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/">(license)</a>

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