Things people with cancer want you to know
"It's okay to say or do the 'wrong' thing."
"I need to know you're here for me (and if you aren't, why not)."
"I like to hear success stories, not horror stories."
"I need you to listen to me and let me cry."
"Asking my permission can spare me pain."
"I need to forgetand laugh."
"Telling me to think positively can make me feel worse."
"I want you to trust my judgment and my treatment decisions."
"I want compassion, not pity; comfort, not advice."
"I am more than my cancer; treat me kindly, not differently."
"I want you to help without my asking you to."
"I like to be held in your thoughts or prayers."
"My moods change day to day; please forgive me if I snap at you."
"Hearing platitudes or what's good about cancer can trivialize my feelings."
"I don't know why I got cancer."
"I need you to understand if I don't return your call or want to see you."
"I want my caregiver to take good care of herself or himself."
"I don't know if I'm cured, and bringing up my health can bring me down."
