Loving, Supporting, and Caring for the Cancer Patient: A Guide to Communication, Compassion, and Courage

At least once in your life someone will say to you, “I have cancer,” and when she says the three words, you may struggle with a response. If a loved one or friend hasn’t informed you of a cancer diagnosis, it’s only a matter of time until they will. Every year fourteen million people worldwide learn they are living with or may die from this insidious illness. The uncertainty of cancer causes anxiety in those diagnosed and feelings of inadequacy in loved ones and friends who want to help.

When someone says “I have cancer,” what will you say? More importantly, what will you do? In Loving, Supporting, and Caring for the Cancer Patient, readers will learn specific ways of going beyond the response “I’m so sorry,” and practical behaviors that will ease a loved one or friend’s journey. They range from being specific immediately after a diagnosis, to honoring their loved one or friend at the moment of passing.

Based on Stan Goldberg’s own cancer journey, thirty years of counseling and coaching people living with cancer and their loved ones, and as a bedside volunteer in four hospices over eight years, the book is filled with poignant accounts of clients and patients, personal reflections, and age-old stories filled with infinite wisdom.

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Reviews

“His experience as a patient with cancer, and from other patients, he has met during roles as a caregiver, communications counselor and hospice volunteer are intimate and compelling…Goldberg’s literary skill on how to deal with sensitive topics will make this book invaluable.” –The Lancet,British Medical Journal

“… draws heavily and wisely on his experience as a former hospice volunteer and person living with cancer….destined to help family members as well as terminal cancer patients feel better.” –Booklist

“… one of those books you hope you’ll never need, but would be glad to have when you do.” –Naples Daily News

“… a must read for persons whose family member has cancer… complete with many suggestions and illustrations that are truthful and useful.” –Youngmee Kim, Phd, University of Miami