When a loved one is first diagnosed with cancer by their doctor, they may be flooded with a variety of overwhelming questions and emotions. However, as a friend or family member, it can be especially challenging to know what to say or do when someone you love receives a potentially life-threatening diagnosis. Here is a guide to help you be the best possible member of their support system.  

How to Cope With a Loved One's Cancer Diagnosis

1. Listen 

One of the most significant contributions you can make is to bear witness to their complex feelings and emotions without chiming in or cheerleading. Listening without judgement validates the other person's experience and creates emotional space for them. It's important to avoid changing their perspective or encouraging your loved one to feel something they don't currently feel. Being an empathetic listener can be very calming and reassuring, especially in a time of crisis. 

2. Give Advice Only When Asked 

 A cancer diagnosis can feel very scary. You may find yourself wanting to research and learn as much as you can about a loved one's particular cancer type in an effort to be proactive and helpful. While knowledge is power, your friend or family member may not be ready or interested in hearing about it. Unless the patient inquires, sharing this information may lead to them feeling overwhelmed or upset. They do not need another doctor. However, you can let them know you've done some independent research and ask if they would like to know what you found. Support and respect their decision either way. 

3. Keep Things Normal 

Many newly diagnosed cancer patients want to feel a sense of normalcy wherever and whenever they can. While you may feel compelled to go out of your way to be of service to a loved one, efforts driven by the need to assuage your own feelings of helplessness are not helpful. They can make a patient feel detached from their life and relationships pre-diagnosis. Do your best to continue on as you would normally with activities like meeting for coffee or dinner, choosing topics of conversation that are not constantly focused on their cancer. 

When choosing the right medical care provider for the ones you love, families in Campbellsville, KY, entrust Taylor Regional Hospital. For more than 50 years, this network of highly qualified doctors has treated patients with everything from orthopedic conditions to cardiovascular diseases. Their state of the art facilities and updated facilities allow them to provide the highest level of medical care for diagnosis and treatment. Doctors provide specialty resources for patients from infancy to adulthood and beyond, which include neurology, podiatry, wound care and rehabilitation services. To see a full list of services, visit the website. To schedule an appointment, call (270) 465-3561.