Choose your words carefully.

What to say to someone diagnosed with a terminal disease. It may seem morbid to some but end-of-life conversations can help both parties come to terms with the situation and segue to other poignant discussions. Its difficult to know what to say or do for a friend or family member who has a terminal illness. Its okay to acknowledge the illness in a supportive manner such as Id like to come visit you if youre up for it.

You might want to talk to your partner family friends or doctor or to a nurse counsellor or religious minister. It is also fine to express hope that a person is not suffering too much hope that they are comfortable getting the care they need and are well-surrounded by loved ones. Include your loved one in activities as you would normally talk about the same routine things youve always chatted about encourage them to continue with hobbies and pastimes they enjoy.

Dont say stupid things. For the person with the disease this probably is the worst-case scenario. 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.

When death occurs unexpectedly people often regret not having had a chance to do these things. Try to determine whether the person is in denial fully accepting the prognosis or somewhere in between. Take your cues from the person with cancer.

They may want to reply but they may have mislaid. Its better to offer someone the opportunity to discuss things with you without pushing them to say more if they dont want to. For someone with a serious chronic or life limiting illness sending your support at that time might be better.

When Mercia Tappings husband was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer they talked openly about his impending death. Dont expect a reply. However a terminal sometimes called life-limiting diagnosis of a terminal illness can bring up worries and fears and it can help to talk about these so that they do not start to feel impossible to deal with.