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Talk About Their Feelings
Giving simple, superficial responses to questions is a common action for someone with cancer. Saying “I’m fine” is much easier than entering into a long conversation about their physical and mental health status.
Talking about it is important, though. By discussing their situation, they can notice changes in their physical health and process unwanted feelings related to their mental health.
Let your loved one know you actually care about their feelings, and you want more than the superficial response. It may be uncomfortable for each of you initially, but with time, it will become easier and more rewarding.
Separating fact from fiction isn’t always easy when it comes to cancer, partly because there are plenty of unknowns in the scientific community