If you dont feel comfortable doing this.

How to talk to terminally ill cancer patients. When a loved one develops a serious illness its normal to go through an emotional experience akin to grieving. Call 13 11 20 to talk to a health professional Or email us your questions. Speak to a health professional or to someone who has been there or find a support group or forum.

Coping with loss. Its difficult to know what to say or do for a friend or family member who has a terminal illness. Learning that a friend has cancer can be difficult news to hear.

But unspecific offers of help can often seem meaningless. Studies also show that patients prefer an open and honest conversation with their doctor about choices for end-of-life care early in the course of their disease and are more satisfied when they have this talk. It is best to allow him or her to decide when to talk and how much to share.

Experts strongly encourage patients to complete advance directives which are documents stating a persons wishes for care. If the patient has trouble swallowing pain pills ask about getting liquid pain medicines or a pain patch. -- Introduce yourself -- Ask The Nurses -- Pre-Diagnosis Signs Symptoms -- Newly diagnosed -- Living with cancer -- Money Work Travel -- Caring for someone with cancer -- Diagnosed with cancer at a young age -- Dying with cancer -- Moving On -- Coping with loss.

Then write a sincere thank-you. And dont talk about your friend with cancer who is running marathons or never missed a day of work. Get involved with CRUK.

Approaching a Terminally Ill Patient in Denial Am Fam Physician. One of the most meaningful things you can say to someone at the end of their life is Thank you As youre writing the letter reflect back on your relationship with this person. Take time to acknowledge and cope with your own emotions about the diagnosis before you see him or her.