Few people like to think about dying.. We all know that death will come, but most of us spend little time thinking about it.
Approaching death often brings a change in how we look at life and what we value.
For many people, having a serious illness leads them to live one day at a time rather
than to put off until tomorrow, next week, or next year
what could be done or said today.


UPDATE,Sept.2008...Mary is still hanging tough!~ She has lots and lots of meds for pain, which sometimes really gets her down, but otherwise,even though she still has the cancer, it has not been keeping her down. She has good days and crappy days, but she is one tough lady. Guess all those prayers people have sent her way are working! Thank you all.

Mary's Blog!
Hello... My friend,Mary, has Meduallary Thyroid Cancer (MTC). I want to help her in any way I can, that is why I am devoting this page to her. I am hoping this will help in some small way.. and that maybe it just might help someone else as well. Possibly, because of the death of my own sister two years ago, I have more of an understanding of what lies ahead. Sometimes I just do not know what to do, or what to say. The most important thing is letting her know that I am here for her.If I could do only one thing, it would be to listen. Paying attention to a person who needs to talk of their illness is, in my opinion, the most important thing... There is not always a need to do anything else. She knows I am always here...and always will be. That's what friends do. I only wish that if there ever comes a day when I am seriously ill, that I have Mary's strength............



Things to Remember

  • Ask how he/she is doing.
  • Ask what the person has.
  • Ask what the treatment is.
  • Talk openly and honestly.
  • Be a sensitive, compassionate, empathetic listener.
  • Be prepared for the person who doesn't want to talk about it then.
    Tell them, "I just want you to know I care."
  • Look your friend in the eye when talking. Smiling, touching, and warm looks all convey affection.
  • Ask how you can help. Be specific: caring for the children, preparing a meal, a ride to the doctor's office, running errands. Ask your friend to make a list of specific things that need to happen and then coordinate
    with other friends and family members to accomplish those things.
  • Include your friend in activities.
  • Remember other family members; they often need support and friendship as well.
  • Don't let your friend's illness interrupt your friendship.
  • Don't comment on your friend's appearance.
  • Don't try to cheer them up. Don't say: "things could be worse" or "I know how you feel"
    or "we all have to go sometime".
  • Don't tell them to have a positive attitude.
  • Don't bring articles about other doctors, treatments or hospitals unless they ask.
  • Don't offer advice or talk about the people you've known who have died from cancer.
  • Don't feel uncomfortable if there's a lull in the conversation. Quiet is better than empty words.
    Your presence shows you care.
  • Most importantly, work to strike a balance in your support for friends or family members dealing with cancer.
  • Be concerned, but not intrusive. Allow them their privacy, but don't abandon them.
  • Don't be afraid to ask them for guidance in how you can best help them through
    their challenges when facing cancer.


::Contact Me::

:: Site Menu Below ::
Home  About Me    Gallery  Hospice  MIDI Files  New Mexico   Wolves

American Cancer Society    Relay for Life

©1996-2008 Alamo5

:::::::::::::