Communicating with Friends and Family
Your family and friends might expect things to return to “normal” when cancer treatment ends. But the truth is, cancer has a lasting impact on your body and relationships.
You’ve gone through physical and emotional changes that can either heal with time or last forever. Like your mind and body, your relationships also undergo changes or carry scars that need time to heal.
The best way for you and those you care about to adjust to survivorship is to have open, honest communication about your feelings and needs.
You’ve gone through physical and emotional changes that can either heal with time or last forever. Like your mind and body, your relationships also undergo changes or carry scars that need time to heal.
The best way for you and those you care about to adjust to survivorship is to have open, honest communication about your feelings and needs.
Tips for open communication:
- Be patient with yourself and the people you care about. You’ve been through a lot and you need time to heal and adjust to this new stage.
- Don’t expect those you care about to intuitively know what to do or what to say. If there’s something on your mind, share it.
- Don’t try to hide your feelings. Closing yourself off isolates you from the support you need and denies those who care about you the opportunity to help.
- Get help. If you’re having difficulty communicating with family and friends, consider meeting with an expert such as a psychologist or social worker who can listen to your concerns and set up a plan to improve communication.