What Lymphoma Patients Want Others to Know
What Lymphoma Patients Want Others to Know
Cancer patients often find it difficult to open up to people, even those that are close to them. Sometimes it can be frustrating for loved ones who are trying to help someone they know with cancer, as they can't get their loved ones to tell them what they need or want.
This is a difficult situation for everyone involved.
Of course, this article can't encapsulate everything a cancer patient wants you to know, especially since every cancer patient has their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Still, we hope that you can use some of these points to better your relationship with a loved one who has lymphoma or another cancer. It is best if you can find the time to sit down with your loved one and talk with them to know what is really going on. You have to remember to give them space though and only talk when they are ready. For more information on lymphoma treatments, clinical trials, and lifestyle tips, be sure to visit the rest of our website.
Be honest in your support
Many people when finding out a loved one has cancer try and walk on eggshells around them for fear of doing or saying something that will upset them. In reality, your loved ones will often pick up on this. It makes them feel like you aren't treating them like a normal person. Most cancer patients would be much happier if you would come to them and tell them that you don't know what to do or say, just that you want to help in any way you can. This eases the tension and makes it clear that you just want to help. The best thing for cancer patients is to have support from their friends and family, and letting them know that you want to help is the first step in showing that you care.
Just listen
Cancer patients often go through so much grief, pain, and fear that they can very easily be overwhelmed. Things only get worse if they have no one that they can talk to about these feelings. It can be uncomfortable to listen to stories of someone you love suffering so badly, but allowing them to vent and cry can really take some of the weight off of their shoulders and make them feel better. The next time you find yourself at a loss for what to do or say, just sit down and talk with your loved one about how they're feeling. This tiny gesture can go a long way in helping them through treatments and recovery.
A common problem that many cancer patients face is that they do not want others to know how their treatments have progressed. You should always ask a loved one before sharing anything about their treatment or condition with anyone. The last thing they need is having to worry about whether they can trust their loved ones with new information. If you find yourself doubting whether your loved one would want someone to know something about their condition, it is always best to ask your loved one what they want shared and kept quiet.
Obviously, we can't tell you what your loved ones are thinking or feeling. What we can provide is what other cancer patients have said that they wanted their loved ones and friends to know. These statements come from real cancer patients who want to help those struggling to know what to do or say when their loved one has lymphoma (or any other cancer).