I know it must be difficult to share this with people.

What not to say to someone with a terminal illness. Ill pray for you. Its difficult to know what to say or do for a friend or family member who has a terminal illness. What to say and not say when someone tells you they have cancer.

Its okay to acknowledge the illness in a supportive manner such as Id like to come visit you if youre up for it. It would be a disservice to you and your friend to pretend that nothing has changed but that doesnt mean they need to. Ill pray for you can sound a little bit like youve already checked out.

If someone you know has a sick family member it is possible that they may be feeling delicate or sensitive as they deal with the difficulties of a serious illness affecting their loved one. Whatever you choose to write speak from the heart. Cliches are often well-meaning but theyre often not the kindest thing to say to a person who is dealing with a terminal condition.

There are other ways to offer hope and messages of peace and positivity. It can be especially difficult to know what to say to someone who is terminally ill. Although painful in so many ways a terminal illness offers you time to say I love you to share your appreciation and to make amends when necessary.

And the big dont. We all understand that the impulse to offer advice or stories of cures comes from a place of caring. Acceptance According to hospice nurse Tracy Riley by the time a person has entered hospice care theyve accepted the fact that theyre dying and its helpful for them to know that family and friends have accepted this too.

With that said there are a few sentiments you might want to stay away from. Dont tell someone theyll beat it when its scientifically impossible. Once someone has been given a terminal diagnosis its natural to think of them as dying.