What NOT to Say.

What not to say to someone with terminal illness. When someone you love has a terminal diagnosis it can be hard to know how best to support them. How to Write a Card to Someone with Terminal Cancer. Bowler is also the host of Everything Happens a new podcast.

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. There are no perfect words in times like these but by being there for your friend or loved one and making an effort to talk with them your good intentions will shine through. Experts suggest that you dont say Its going to be OK Make it clear you are there for them try to create a semblance of normalcy ask how they are feeling today and be a good listener.

People cant send a humorous card like its a knee replacement. They may want to reply but they may have mislaid. A person with a terminal diagnosis and those caring for them will naturally need a lot of support.

Dont say things like let me know if you need anything advises Lyons. Cook some food clean the house send cards keep in touch often. This means I am terminal and that likely every time I see someone I havent seen for a week or more I look worse to them.

Dont tell someone theyll beat it when its scientifically impossible. Most people knew that Kevin and I are not spiritual so we didnt get a lot of that but we knew they meant well. Not understanding someones terminal diagnosis can be unintentionally offensive.

Why not just say Ill be there for you. When or someone you know has been diagnosed with a terminal illness you may find yourself at a loss for words. There is nothing you can say that will ever lessen my grief or fix the fact that I am going to die and all that this encompasses.