Treatment FAQ

what to say to someone on their last chemo treatment

by Therese Bruen Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Uplifting Last Day of Chemo or Radiation Sign Sayings or Slogans

  1. “You did it!”. Some people are not able to complete full rounds of radiation or chemotherapy. If your friend was able to complete the treatment, celebrate this!
  2. “Ring That Bell!”. Many treatment centers celebrate a patient’s last treatment by ringing a bell. Celebrate this milestone with your friend.
  3. “Hip Hip Hooray!”. Are you afraid that others won’t understand what you are celebrating? Consider adding the ribbon emblem appropriate for your loved one’s cancer.
  4. “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.”. Leave it to Dr. ...
  5. “Chemo was tough, but (name) was tougher!”. No one describes chemo as being easy. Celebrate that your friend was able to persevere through the treatment.
  6. “After every storm comes a rainbow.”. Your loved one may have experienced the stormiest part of their lives. Remind them that rainbows often follow a severe storm.
  7. “I want to be tough - like my mom!”. Get the kids involved with the sign-making. Watching a parent undergo cancer treatment can be traumatic for children.

What to Say to a Cancer Patient
  • "We'll get through this together. ...
  • "I am praying for you."
  • "Go to MD Anderson. ...
  • "I am here for you." Then follow through and really be there.
  • Don't ask what you can do to help or say, "Let me know if you need anything." Many people will never ask for help even though they need it.
Jul 16, 2015

Full Answer

What to send to someone who is going through chemo?

What to Say to Someone with Cancer

  1. “I’m here for you.” Show up for your loved one and remain by their side as they go through this process. ...
  2. “You are in my thoughts and prayers.” Hearing that your wellbeing is on someone’s mind can be a great comfort, and the act of praying may be very peaceful ...
  3. “This stinks.” Cancer stinks. Sometimes, validating that for someone who has to go through it every day is all that needs to be said in the moment.

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What to do for a friend starting chemo?

  • Talk with positive, upbeat people to recharge your own "hope battery."
  • Feel free to shield your loved one from those who are negative or insensitive.
  • Stay positive, celebrate victories—no matter how small—and remain focused on the goals of treatment.
  • Make plans for a future after treatment and keep moving forward.

How long can a person stay on chemo?

The total duration depends on other factors as well, including:

  • how long your body needs to recover between cycles
  • how long the effects of chemotherapy last
  • how your body responds to chemotherapy

What to bring on your first day of chemo?

It's entitled "Outcomes of anti-PD-(L1) therapy in combination with chemotherapy versus immunotherapy (IO) alone for first-line (1L ... for that patient in your clinic with a PD-L1 stain, with ...

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What do you say to someone who finished cancer treatment?

Many people often say "congratulations" after the person finished chemotherapy, but it may not always be a good thing. Instead of saying "let's celebrate," ask, "how do you feel now that chemo is over?" There are certain stock phrases that people seem to say in tough times, such as "everything happens for a reason."

What do you say to someone after their last chemo treatment?

If you're struggling to find the right words, here are 12 kind things to say to someone with cancer:“I'm here for you.” ... “You are in my thoughts and prayers.” ... “This stinks.” ... “Let me help you with…” ... Tell a Joke. ... “You are not alone.” ... “Any time you need to talk, I'll listen.” ... “What day works for a visit?”More items...•

How do you congratulate someone on finishing cancer treatment?

1. This must be a really tough time for you, but I wanted to let you know that I'm so impressed by your courage and endurance. 2. You are so determined to beat this cancer, and I'm so proud of you.

What to say to someone who has been cleared of cancer?

Instead say, "I'm really sorry," or "I hope it will be okay." And don't refer to his or her cancer as "the good cancer." These statements downplay what he or she is going through. Leave the door to communication open so they can talk about fears and concerns.

What do you say to someone who just had chemo?

Here are some ideas:"I'm not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care"."I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this"."How are you doing?""If you would like to talk about it, I'm here"."Please let me know how I can help"."I'll keep you in my thoughts".

Why do you ring a bell after chemo?

The bell signals the end of chemotherapy treatment. It is also a warm tradition among cancer patients completing radiation treatments. Patients ring bells in hospitals around the world to mark the end of their treatments.

How do you send a positive message to a cancer patient?

Messages to all Cancer PatientsYou are stronger than you think. Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities. ... World Cancer Day – Together, it's possible. “20% of something is better than 100% of nothing.” Live the life you love. ... What cancer cannot do – cancer is so limited. It cannot cripple love.

What do I write in a support card?

Simple Thinking-of-You Encouragement“You're never far from my thoughts.”“Know how often I think of you? ... “You're on my mind and in my heart.”“Keeping you close in my thoughts.”“Lifting you up in prayer and hoping you have a better day today.”“I can't wait to catch up with you soon.”More items...•

How do you cheer up a cancer patient?

What you can do: VisitsAlways call before you visit. ... Schedule a visit that allows you to give physical and emotional support for the caregiver, too. ... Make short, regular visits rather than long, infrequent ones. ... Begin and end the visit with a touch, a hug, or a handshake.Be understanding if you are asked .More items...•

What do you write in a cancer get well card?

Wishes for Terminal IllnessSending you a note to let you know that I am thinking of you. ... Thinking about you and hoping that you are having a good day.We are all keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.You are always in my thoughts and prayers — you mean so much to me.I am here for you.More items...•

What do cancer patients want to hear?

“Let me help you with…” Instead of hearing “What can I do?” cancer patients want to hear that you already have a specific task in mind. Many cancer patients will decline needing help when they are asked the broad question “What can I help with?” Choose something specific and get started on it.

What do you say to someone in remission?

Instead of trying to be unnaturally positive, acknowledge where they are and what they're going through.“This must be hard and I'm sorry that you've got to go through this. ... “I don't know how you feel but understand that this must be difficult. ... “I don't know what to say other than I'm here for you.”

What happens after your last chemo treatment?

After your last dose of chemotherapy, your white blood cell count will go down. It should start to go back to normal about a month after your last treatment. Your red blood cell count may also go down, but it should go back to normal around the same time.

How is last day of chemotherapy celebrated?

To celebrate, you may want to give a “last chemo treatment” celebration gift to mark the events....Ask if you have any doubt.Hair regrowth treatment. ... Healthy eating cookbooks. ... Wellness coaching. ... Anti-nausea products. ... Self-care items. ... EMF radiation-blocking electronics. ... A vacation.

What do you say to someone who completed radiation?

Here are some good options.“I don't know exactly what to say, but please know how much I care.”“What can I do for you?”“I'm always here if you ever want to talk.”“I'm so sorry this happened to you.”Use humor, but only if you know it will be received positively. ... No words, just listen.

How to show support to a friend who is going through chemo?

You may also show support to your friend going through chemo or radiation by giving rides to doctor’s appointments. Even if your friend is married, the spouse may have a difficult time taking time off of work for every appointment.

What is the last day of chemo for a child?

Last Day of Chemo or Radiation Sign Sayings for a Child. Watching a child fight cancer is heart-wrenching, especially for the parents. Celebrate the last day of chemo or radiation by displaying these signs on the way to and from the treatment center. You may also want to have signs in the treatment room and in front of the child’s house.

What to do if your friend can't chow down?

Even if your friend can’t chow down, your friend’s family would appreciate the meals. Cancer puts a financial strain on many families, and providing food can help reduce your friend’s grocery bill. You may also show support to your friend going through chemo or radiation by giving rides to doctor’s appointments.

What color is cancer ribbon?

Even though most people associate cancer ribbons with the color pink, each type of cancer is assigned a color. Brain cancer is gray, and uterine cancer’s ribbon is peach. 4. “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.”.

What to do when someone is unable to complete a full round of radiation?

If your friend was able to complete the treatment, celebrate this! This is not an easy thing to do. 2. “Ring That Bell!” . Many treatment centers celebrate a patient’s last treatment by ringing a bell. Celebrate this milestone with your friend.

Can chemotherapy be a piece of cake?

No one who has gone through ex tensive chemotherapy or radiation treatments would describe the experience as a “piece of cake.”. In fact, most people dread the symptoms that accompany the treatments. Your friend or loved one may experience some uneasy symptoms like nausea and fatigue, on top of a host of other specific symptoms related ...

What to bring to a hospital visit?

If you want to bring a gift, bring one that provides comfort. My favorites were: 1 Petroleum-free lip balm because hospital air can be dry 2 Cushy socks because hospitals are often cold 3 A guestbook so I could remember all the people who came to visit 4 A soft toothbrush that doesn’t cut the gums, reducing the risk of infection

Can you get cancer in your mouth?

Yes, you can get cancer in the mouth! If I had known it was a remote possibility, I’d have been more proactive when the sore in my mouth didn’t heal. I wish I knew that a non-healing lesion in the mouth of a someone who has never smoked and is a social drinker has a higher risk of being cancer.

Can you spell "overall health" without oral health?

And remember, you can’t spell “overall health” without oral health.

What is cancer in the medical field?

Cancer is an illness that not only creates complications for one person, but changes the lives of many over the course of the diagnosis, disease, and treatment. If someone you know is going through this, know that your support is valued.

Do cancer patients feel strong?

Cancer patients may not feel strong, and may, in fact, feel the exact opposite. Even if that’s true, it’s important to let them know how strong they truly are. You can also send a gift of a cozy blanket or slippers to provide some comfort as they continue their fight.

What to say to someone who has cancer?

For someone diagnosed with cancer, certain words can be comforting or hurtful. Dr. Dale Atkins and cancer survivors shared advice on talking to people facing the disease. Keep in mind, everyone is different. What may work for one person may not work for others. Let them know you care You can't keep reassuring them that "everything will be OK" — but you can assure them you will go through this

How to help people with cancer who have died?

Don't relay terrible stories about people with cancer who have died. Don't be judgmental about therapy. Even if you don't agree with a treatment plan, be supportive anyway. Relate your own experiences to them. If something was helpful in your own personal experience, it's OK to share it.

What advice did Dale Atkins give to cancer survivors?

Dale Atkins and cancer survivors shared advice on talking to people facing the disease. Keep in mind, everyone is different. What may work for one person may not work for others. You can't keep reassuring them that "everything will be OK" — but you can assure them you will go through this process together.

What to do after breast cancer treatment?

10 things to do now to reduce your breast cancer risk later. Be open-minded. Many people often say "congratulations" after the person finished chemotherapy, but it may not always be a good thing.

How to reduce breast cancer risk?

Be as normal as possible. Try to include the person in as many plans you can and alter the plans if he or she can't join you. Don't be afraid to give a hug, foot massage or a manicure, if that's natural and part of your friendship. 10 things to do now to reduce your breast cancer risk later. Be open-minded.

How to keep people from thinking of cancer?

And keep calling. Stay in touch, because a cancer illness can last a long time. Send cards/notes/emails regularly, to let that person know you're thinking of him or her. Not many words are needed, but rather the knowledge there are people who care and are thinking of you. Keep asking to do something, or just do it.

Can you listen to someone who has cancer?

This is generally not a great response when someone is diagnosed with cancer. People may feel this way after they go through it, but let them come to their own conclusions. This isn't about you. You can listen without always feeling that you need to respond.

What to say to someone with cancer?

If you’re struggling to find the right words, here are 12 kind things to say to someone with cancer: “I’m here for you.”. “You are in my thoughts and prayers.”. “This stinks.”. “Let me help you with…”. Tell a joke. “You are not alone.”. “Any time you need to talk, I’ll listen.”. “What day works for a visit?”.

What to say instead of asking your loved one how you can help?

This is one of the most helpful things you can say. Instead of asking your loved one how you can help, tell them specifically what you’re able to help with. Treatment, doctor’s appointments and physical symptoms make it difficult to keep up with day-to-day life.

Is cancer a joke?

“Cancer is no joke , but is still good to hear one that makes you laugh and takes your mind off of what you are going through. Even if it is just for a couple of minutes! Those minutes always mean the world to me.”

Can you lose hair during chemotherapy?

If undergoing chemotherapy, your loved one may lose their hair during treatment. This is a very emotional process and feeling confident could be a challenge at first. No matter what physical symptoms your loved one is experiencing, this is an opportunity for you to make sure their inner and outer beauty is recognized.

Why are positive statements bad for cancer survivors?

No matter where someone is in their journey, cancer survivors ALWAYS have a voice in the back of their head reminding them that they might die from their cancer.

How to be unnaturally positive?

Tell them that you care about them and acknowledge that, although you don’t know how they feel, you get that it’s making life difficult. And offer to help. What they want and need most from you is to feel like you’re there and won’t abandon them. So, do that by saying:

Is it awkward to talk about cancer?

Talking about cancer and someone’s cancer journey is awkward and makes everyone feel vulnerable. And humans really don’t like vulnerability, do they? Although talking to a cancer patient and/or a cancer survivor might be uncomfortable, with a bit of forethought it doesn’t have to be difficult.

Is the person before cancer still in there?

Don’t forget that the person they were before cancer is still in there. They aren’t their cancer, they’re just dealing with its repercussions. Although the cancer journey is changing them in some ways, they still have hopes and dreams. And they still crave connection, love, and laughter.

Can cancer survivors find silver linings?

It’s not your place. Silver-linings should only be found by the cancer survivor, should they want to. Here are a few examples of what I’m talking about (all are real-life examples from yours truly): “You look great with all the weight you’ve lost.” [This is a seriously back-handed compliment.]

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