My friend is going into hospital next week for breast cancer treatment. What can I do to help?
mickey2506 asked:
I’d really like to make up a wee goody bag to give her to take in to hospital. If anyone has been through this or just has any good ideas - what kind of things could I put in it?
I’d really like to make up a wee goody bag to give her to take in to hospital. If anyone has been through this or just has any good ideas - what kind of things could I put in it?
Just be there for her.
Well put yourself in her shoes, your in hospital bored out of your mind. put her in some magazines that she likes, they usually have a TV in the ward yu may want to put in some dvds or something like! that put in something personal something that will mean something to her from you! maybe you have an inside joke or something and you could buy something related!
The best thing you could give her is your support! But dont be to clingy to her or over protective becasue she will get wound up with everyone running round after her! just be there when she needs you!
I wiswh her every luck, and to you! xxxx
When a close friend is diagnosed with cancer, you may be confused, scared, sad, angry, or everything in between. It is normal to feel unsure about how to behave around your friend, but these tips will help you overcome your uncertainty and feel more comfortable as you help your friend deal with his or her illness.
Step1
Let your relationship be your guide. You know what kind of relationship you have with your friend, and what he or she responds to.
Step2
Accept whatever emotions your friend may display. He or she may be angry, sad, scared, and anything in between. Don’t take it personally: he or she is not angry at you, just at the situation. Make sure your friend understands that you don’t blame him/her for those emotions, and that you understand that they are not directed at you personally.
Step3
Unless you personally have had cancer, it may be best to avoid saying “I know what you’re going through”. Instead, say “I can only imagine how you feel”.
Step4
Don’t underestimate the value of the small things. Just knowing that you are there to lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on can mean all the difference. Don’t think that you’re not doing enough just by being there.
Step5
Don’t force your friend to talk about it, but make sure he or she knows that you’re available if they do want to talk. Don’t shut yourself out for fear of saying the wrong thing or not knowing what to say. Sometimes all it takes is a person to listen.
Step6
Don’t avoid the elephant in the room, but don’t make it the central focus of every conversation. A simple “how are you feeling today?” or “is there anything I can do for you?” can let your friend know that you care and acknowledge his or her illness. Some people feel awkward bringing it up, but unless your friend has adamantly stated that they don’t want to talk about it, a simple gesture can make sure your friend doesn’t feel like you’re avoiding the situation.
Step7
Stay in touch as often as is reasonable and possible. Even if you don’t talk about your friend’s illness, staying in touch will make sure that your friend doesn’t feel like you’re avoiding him or her because of the illness.
Step8
Try to keep things as normal as possible. If your friend is healthy enough and is willing to do so, go out and do the things that you did before.
Step9
If the clinic allows it, offer to go along with your friend to his or her chemotherapy session. Chemotherapy can be scary, and having a hand to hold can be helpful.
Step10
While you should stay in touch and try to help, don’t overstep your boundaries. Try to be careful not to overshadow a spouse or other close relative. This is where letting your relationship with your friend guide you is helpful.
Step11
Be open with your emotions and take care of yourself, too. If you’re scared or mad, talk about it with someone.
Step12
If you know someone else who has gone through cancer, consider inviting him/her to meet your friend to talk about their experience.