When a person faces chemotherapy, having a good support network is vital to keeping him in good spirits and making the process a little less daunting. It's normal to feel unsure of what to do or say to support a friend during her treatment--you don't want to be overbearing, but you also don't want to do too little. Making yourself available and taking some time for thoughtful gestures are the best things you can do, and will undoubtedly be appreciated.
Instructions
1. Be willing to listen. Some people feel better when they can talk to a friend about their treatment and how they're feeling physically or emotionally. Simply listening while your friend talks can be very comforting. If you're not sure whether he wants to talk about his illness, just let him know that you'll gladly listen if he needs you to.
2. Be willing to talk. Many people prefer not to talk about their illness, and would rather discuss other things or listen to you talk. You might feel that the details of your day-to-day life aren't very interesting, but hearing anecdotes and stories can be a welcome distraction to a person who is enduring hours of chemotherapy treatments.
3. Offer to help out with any chores and responsibilities, such as grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking and looking after kids. Anyone going through chemotherapy needs time to rest, so relieving as much of her daily stress as you can is one of the most supportive measures you can take.
4. Bring small gifts when you visit. Magazines, books and DVDs can help pass the time during long chemotherapy sessions. You can also purchase gift cards for entertainment stores so your friend can pick out what interests her. Other little gifts, like gum or small bottles of aloe vera, are helpful in treating some of chemotherapy's side effects.
5. Offer to drive and accompany your friend to chemo sessions or doctor's appointments. Your presence will be comforting, and driving will be one less thing to worry about if he doesn't feel up to it.
6. Pay attention to your friend's body language and energy levels when you're visiting. Though she undoubtedly appreciates your support, there will be times when she needs to rest or be alone.
7. Remain positive, even during difficult times. It can be hard, but staying upbeat will keep your friend going.
Tags: your friend, about their, talk about