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Things to think about ...

Have Some Consideration. Staying away from smoky areas is a step in the right direction, though at times unavoidable. Try asking before you light up, if the smoke is bothersome.

Ask Questions. Ask questions rather than making assumptions about someone's condition. Every cancer patient has to deal with different issues.

Every Day is a Good Day. It's easy to get down about a situation you are currently in. Try to keep your head up, and always consider people less fortunate than you. This will help you keep things in perspective during rough times.

Survival Rates. Don't use survival rates in conversations. Statistics do not mean anything when someone is experiencing cancer treatment, and recovery. Every cancer patient has individual circumstances and is treated differently.

Understand the difference between chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. The doctor must find a balance in the dose of drugs being used in order to kill cancer cells while affecting as few healthy ones as possible. Usually given intravenously.
Radiation directs high energy x-rays to the affected area in doses that damage or destroy the cancer cells but leave surrounding normal tissues largely unharmed. Both treatments may cause unpleasant side effects such as skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, anemia, and susceptibility to other infections.

Appearances can be deceiving. A cancer patient or survivor that "looks good" is still undergoing emotional, physical and mental healing. Take time to acknowledge and support the full aspects of the healing process, not just the clinical results.

Be an active participant. Cancer patients appreciate your willingness to listen, take them to appointments, prepare meals, and complete household tasks. Ask not "what" you can do, but "when" you can do it!

Not just tired. "Try to get some rest." This is not always the best advice for a patient undergoing treatment. Be sensitive to the fact that the fatigue, which invades the bones of cancer patients, is totally unlike even the most profound fatigue of an otherwise well person. The quality of sleep is changed. The mere act of sleeping itself seems like work sometimes. Cancer fatigue is not limited to the physical realm. The brain feels tired and so does the patient's spirits. Anemia, depression, and the exertion of mental and physical energy are all major causes of fatigue.

Embrace cancer and calm the spirit. The patient needs an opportunity to grow and flourish through their cancer journey. Help them access their energy, patience and strength through their connection to the community, God, meditation, music, nature and other covenants that help them appreciate the richness of being alive.