Personal Development for Smart People Forums - View Single Post - How can I give the best support to a dying friend

Roxon · 08-11-2009, 05:57 PM

I have a friend in her 50ties who had chemo for pancreatic cancer 2yrs ago, never fully recovered and now has leukemia and cant get a bone marrow donor.

She does not want to talk about her condition. I hear from other friends that she continues to deteriorate and communicates less and less with everyone.

She has asked me to keep talking even if she doesnt respond. She lives 1000 miles away and i cant visit so I text and write.

I think if it was me i would want to hear about interesting places, events, jokes.

But i dont really know how to be the best friend i could be.

My best friend died recently after a long illness and i felt i could have been more supportive but diddnt know how. When a dying person begins to withdraw but still wants you to keep talking,what are the best things to talk about?? What are the best ways to be supportive??

Any other perspectives would be much appreciated.

Thank you

08-11-2009, 05:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Roxon Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 77	How can I give the best support to a dying friend I have a friend in her 50ties who had chemo for pancreatic cancer 2yrs ago, never fully recovered and now has leukemia and cant get a bone marrow donor. She does not want to talk about her condition. I hear from other friends that she continues to deteriorate and communicates less and less with everyone. She has asked me to keep talking even if she doesnt respond. She lives 1000 miles away and i cant visit so I text and write. I think if it was me i would want to hear about interesting places, events, jokes. But i dont really know how to be the best friend i could be. My best friend died recently after a long illness and i felt i could have been more supportive but diddnt know how. When a dying person begins to withdraw but still wants you to keep talking,what are the best things to talk about?? What are the best ways to be supportive?? Any other perspectives would be much appreciated. Thank you