Support for Loved Ones
Tip #1
A real day brightener for any cancer patient is receiving mail-- a note, a card, an article that lets them know you are thinking about them. Write a "Thank You' note to your friend or family member who has cancer that tells them how much you appreciate their friendship. Thank them for the different things they have done to bring joy and laughter into your life. Remind them of some little gesture they did that made your day. The patient will savor the memories and will most certainly feel loved and thought of for the rest of the day.
To Cancer Patients:
Design a simple "Thank You" note of your own that you can return to friends and family members who do something special for you. Here's one written by a special friend of The Cancer Club:
For all your good wishes and candy
The balloons and stuffed animals were dandy.
Contributions, beautiful flowers, gourmet meals
and games-- It's hard to keep track of all the names.
Cards, books, visits, calls on the phone
Gave strength to me, I was not alone.
Your hopes and prayers are appreciated more
than I can say-- Hopes and dreams for a brighter day.
Many thanks!
Tip #2
I am often asked, "What can I do for my dear friend (relative, loved one) with cancer? One of the most important days in the life of any cancer patient is that infamous last day of treatment. Whether it's the final treatment of radiation therapy or the very last chemotherapy, the day is anticipated with a mixture of joy, accomplishment, relief, sadness and fear.
Mark your calendar and make a point of contacting the cancer patient to congratulate them and wish them well. A call, a card, or a bottle of champagne can go a long way toward telling your friend
"You Did It!"
To Cancer Patients:
Let your friends and family in on your final days of treatments. It's a day that will remain etched in your mind for many years to come. It's a grand accomplishment!
Tip #3
We all know how inviting and comforting the feel of a newly aired bed feels. The thought of changing sheets, doing laundry and making the bed may seem overwhelming to a cancer patient. Offer to come over daily /weekly/ or even once a month to fluff the pillows and keep the sheets and covers smooth. Purchase a special pillow to help prop the patient for reading or watching TV. Add the sound of trickling water with a small fountain and make sure fresh flowers in the bedroom are receiving their needed dose of water. The cancer patient will be snug as a bug in a rug and will sleep better, too!
To Cancer Patients:
Let your friend or family member pamper you in your own room so you can rest comfortably. If you'd like an air freshener, fan or fountain, don't be shy about asking. Let your friends change your sheets and tuck you in. You'll sleep tight and the bed bugs won't bite!
A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures.
-- Irish Proverb
Tip #4
It can be comforting to have a special relative or loved one come visit us when we're going through cancer treatments. Make arrangements for that "special someone" (sister, brother, college roommate, etc.) to come for a visit. If possible, purchase an airline ticket to help defray the costs. Make arrangements to pick the visitor up from the airport and have them stay with you if the cancer patient doesn't have room at their place. Remind them to bring old photos and stories of days gone by. Then plan some simple, quiet get-togethers where the "old friends/family" can exchange memories, stories, and spend the day in laughter. You will have provided the gift of a lifetime, and the memories will remain forever.
To Cancer Patients:
If it's been a long time since you've seen that "special someone" in your life, let your friends know how much it would mean to you to share some valuable time together. Give your friends the phone number/address/E-mail address of your friend or loved one, and ask them to get in touch with your special loved one for you. You may just end up with a surprise guest that will boost your spirits and bring a smile to your face. That's what friend are for!
Laughter can relieve tension, soothe the pain of disappointment and strengthen the spirit for the formidable tasks that always lie ahead.
-- Dwight Eisenhower