I love what you said about texting. Instead of asking, saying Id love to text you in a week. I know for me in the beginning I was making so many big decisions that I didnt need another decision to make. It really helped when people just Did. Something kind. I would also add, dont ghost your friend. I had people I had know for 20 years and consider family ghost me once I told them my diagnosis. I'm in remission and they havent reached out at all..that was harder than making decisions. If your friend is going through something let them know you'll be there in some capacity. Even if you can only say you dont know what to say or do.
Thank you! Yes, I agree with everything you said. If you truly a friend, you have to check in on people. It is hard though to know what people need. We can’t be afraid to reach out from either side.
Marina, You do such a great job of communicating, informing, using humor and compassion. My prayer is that you never hear cancer again as a diagnosis but you have been equipped to be a wonderful help for others. I start chem next Thursday and I feel better prepared because of your channel. Thank you! I am blessed to have had so many reach out with such creative offers!
Hi! Thank you so much for that feedback! I’m so thankful to help others! I pray you do well through your treatment! That sounds wonderful that people are offering to help you! ❤️
This is absolutely essential information. It is hard to know what to do. I especially like #1. Do not need to hear stories of others. Especially initially. Thank you! 🌺
Great info! Being specific is super helpful bc when you're going through so much, it's hard to even think. I was in so much pain that I didn't know what I needed.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, one friend had my fave fast food delivered to my house and one of my cousins brought around a huge box of gifts such as a blanket, dressing gown, heat pack, colouring book, colouring pencils, puzzle, book, snacks, etc and that was greatly appreciated! Sadly, after that initial shock, everyone seems to be ignoring me now, including family members. I have been battling cancer for a year and I feel like I have no friends or family left. My carer (I am disabled) is the only one that messages me a few times a week and takes me out occasionally when I feel up to it, but she is being paid to do this. My cousin, who brought me the box of gifts, was shocked when I said I was still battling cancer after she asked me how I was doing when I messaged her to congratulate her on her pregnancy. Nobody checks in on me anymore. :(
@@MarinaBlackford yeah, a lot of people unfriended me on facebook too or blocked me even. It is actually a common thing I have heard in support groups. Very sad.
Thank you for this video. I am currently going thru chemo and I have had so many people say things with good intentions that have made me feel like crap I didn't let on, I just smiled and nodded because I knew they meant well. 😊
I think the obvious elephant in the room is this. Your family and former friends. Are terrified to witness you turn into what resembles an extra in a zombie movie. Cause think about it. Zombies and cancer patients do carry similarities and lets face it. Both can be utterly terrifying. It's fear that keeps loved ones at bay. I'd suggest to the lonely those needing support. Reach out to other cancer warriors. They'll get you when no one else does. Try looking your very best when you go out. Try to abstain talking about your cancer to casual acquaintances ( they honestly) don't wanna hear about it. It may sound deceptive and even cruel. But it's truth..💔
I love what you said about texting. Instead of asking, saying Id love to text you in a week. I know for me in the beginning I was making so many big decisions that I didnt need another decision to make. It really helped when people just Did. Something kind. I would also add, dont ghost your friend. I had people I had know for 20 years and consider family ghost me once I told them my diagnosis. I'm in remission and they havent reached out at all..that was harder than making decisions. If your friend is going through something let them know you'll be there in some capacity. Even if you can only say you dont know what to say or do.
Thank you! Yes, I agree with everything you said. If you truly a friend, you have to check in on people. It is hard though to know what people need. We can’t be afraid to reach out from either side.
Marina, You do such a great job of communicating, informing, using humor and compassion. My prayer is that you never hear cancer again as a diagnosis but you have been equipped to be a wonderful help for others. I start chem next Thursday and I feel better prepared because of your channel. Thank you! I am blessed to have had so many reach out with such creative offers!
Hi! Thank you so much for that feedback! I’m so thankful to help others! I pray you do well through your treatment! That sounds wonderful that people are offering to help you! ❤️
This is absolutely essential information. It is hard to know what to do. I especially like #1. Do not need to hear stories of others. Especially initially. Thank you! 🌺
Yes! Thank you! 🩷
Your "5 Things to Say -" video is pure wisdom
Thank you!!
Great info! Being specific is super helpful bc when you're going through so much, it's hard to even think. I was in so much pain that I didn't know what I needed.
Thank you! Yes, just offer something so we can say yes and not have to think of something. “Can I bring you a tea?”
@MarinaBlackford Tea...that sounds really good right now, lol
When I was diagnosed with cancer, one friend had my fave fast food delivered to my house and one of my cousins brought around a huge box of gifts such as a blanket, dressing gown, heat pack, colouring book, colouring pencils, puzzle, book, snacks, etc and that was greatly appreciated!
Sadly, after that initial shock, everyone seems to be ignoring me now, including family members. I have been battling cancer for a year and I feel like I have no friends or family left.
My carer (I am disabled) is the only one that messages me a few times a week and takes me out occasionally when I feel up to it, but she is being paid to do this. My cousin, who brought me the box of gifts, was shocked when I said I was still battling cancer after she asked me how I was doing when I messaged her to congratulate her on her pregnancy. Nobody checks in on me anymore. :(
💛
I’m sorry to hear that. It can be true though. Other people move on and don’t always know your journey.
@@MarinaBlackford yeah, a lot of people unfriended me on facebook too or blocked me even. It is actually a common thing I have heard in support groups. Very sad.
How r you now?
@@jhilickbera1538 I am doing okay. Still not cancer free but it is stable. Thank you for asking!
I’m sure many think they are the only one being forgotten. Good info.
Thank you!
Thank you Marina for sharing this etiquette on this most sensitive topic❤
You are so welcome!
Thanks for another great video, Marina!!
Thank you!
Thank you, for this video. I wish someone would share this with my friends 🫶🏼
You're so welcome!
Thanks
Thank you, Andrea! ❤️
Thank you for this video. I am currently going thru chemo and I have had so many people say things with good intentions that have made me feel like crap I didn't let on, I just smiled and nodded because I knew they meant well. 😊
Yes! I felt the same. Give some grace if you can!
Thank you As someone going thru this cancer journey, I agree with everything you’ve said!❤
I appreciate that! ❤️
Absolutely Excellent Video! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌸👏🏽
Thank you! 💛
Wonderful - thank you, Marina. Sharing on my FB page. 🙂🙏❤️
Awesome, thank you!❤️
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I think the obvious elephant in the room is this. Your family and former friends. Are terrified to witness you turn into what resembles an extra in a zombie movie. Cause think about it. Zombies and cancer patients do carry similarities and lets face it. Both can be utterly terrifying. It's fear that keeps loved ones at bay. I'd suggest to the lonely those needing support. Reach out to other cancer warriors. They'll get you when no one else does. Try looking your very best when you go out. Try to abstain talking about your cancer to casual acquaintances ( they honestly) don't wanna hear about it. It may sound deceptive and even cruel. But it's truth..💔
Aw. I definitely encourage reaching out to others that have been there. 🙏🏼
With my cancer, I'm like a vampire, NOT a zombie. LOL
❤❤❤
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