How to support a friend with cancer?

Dekho, extra sympathy and crying in front of them is not going to help at all. Just behave normally, crack your usual jokes, and ask exactly what help they need with daily chores or hospital visits. Just be there without making a big deal out of it.

Before you plan any physical visits or bring outside food, please check with their primary doctor or nurse. Their immunity gets very low during treatment, so we must be very careful. Ask the hospital staff what safety precautions you need to take before meeting them.

When my close colleague went through this, we made a schedule among friends to handle his grocery shopping and driving him to appointments. Don't say 'tell me if you need something' because they won't ask. Just take up specific small responsibilities yourself.

Unhe akela mat chhodna bilkul bhi. Hume bas unka haath pakadkar dilaasa dena hai ki hum sab sath hain har mushkil mein. Unke ghar ka kaam ya khana-peena thoda sambhal lo toh unhe thodi rahat mil jayegi.

Honestly, cut out the toxic positivity and don't give them random Google remedies. Just help them manage their routine, like taking care of their pet or ordering their groceries. Your practical support is worth way more than preachy WhatsApp forwards.

I am so tired myself that I can barely function, but I realized my friend just wanted someone to watch silly movies with her at 2 AM when she couldn't sleep. You don't have to be a philosopher, just be their late-night distraction partner.

My grandmother always says that comforting home-cooked food is the best medicine, but we must strictly follow what their doctor advises first. Don't force any heavy traditional diet without the oncologist's approval. Just keep them cheerful and well-hydrated.

Deep breathing together really helped my sister when she was going through her chemo sessions. Just sitting quietly and doing light deep breathing can ease their physical and mental anxiety. Always keep the environment around them fresh and airy.

Sometimes they just need someone who will listen without giving any advice. I just make sure to drop a text saying I am here whenever they want to talk. It is a long journey, so your quiet presence means a lot.