What to say to a friend whose father has cancer?

When your friend’s dad has cancer (or when any member of their family has a life-threatening illness), this is one of those times. Maybe the best thing you can say to your friend is: “I am your friend, whatever happens I’ll be here, let me know what the best thing is I can do for you.”

What to say when someone tells you their parent has cancer?

Here are some ideas:

• “I’m not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care”.
• “I’m sorry to hear that you are going through this”.
• “How are you doing?”
• “If you would like to talk about it, I’m here”.
• “Please let me know how I can help”.
• “I’ll keep you in my thoughts”.

What do you say to someone whose parent is terminally ill?

Some examples of what to say

• “Sending you love during this difficult time.
• “Words alone cannot describe the sorrow that I feel.
• “Your father meant the world to me.
• “I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
• “Please know that our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.

How do you help someone whose father is dying?

If the person in question passes away, here are some things you should do.

1. Go to the funeral.
2. If appropriate, offer to help at the wake.
3. Be available if your friend needs you, even if that means just getting really drunk with them and having a good cry.
4. Send flowers IN A VASE. This is very important.
5. Be patient.

What to do when your friend’s dad has cancer?

The cancer person definitely feels the distancing effect though, thus the increased isolation. If your friend’s dad is in the later stages of the disease and becomes bedridden, you can offer to sit with him by his dad’s side or even take his place there so he can take some time for himself.

How do you talk to someone who has cancer?

Then be quiet and see where the conversation goes from there. Remember who this person is aside from having cancer. She’s a neighbor, mother or student; he’s a painter, uncle or co-worker. Add the words “with cancer” to the way you think of him or her. This helps you keep the emphasis where it belongs when you communicate.

Should you ever give cancer treatment advice?

Unless you are an oncologist, please do not provide treatment advice. The gestures I remember the most, and who were the most helpful, who felt like life lines, were from friends who wanted to be there for me without trying to “help”, “fix” or change anything. If someone in a household has cancer, it has an impact on everyone.

Can friends and family hold back when it comes to cancer?

But when friends and family hold back, the unintended consequence for the person with cancer is feeling alone and unsupported. So what exactly should you say when someone reveals a scary diagnosis like cancer?