So, one of my best friends has been diagnosed with cancer. It sucks, but it happens. I'm going to go visit him at the hospital sometime later this week, but don't really know what could make him feel any better. I mean, how do you make someone who's basically been given a death sentance feel better?

He has to stay at the hospital for a couple months. Not fun. I just figure hes going to need plenty of visits from everyone... thats probably about the best thing he can get.

Cancer is stupid...

/rant.

Wow, that really sucks. What kind of cancer is it? Do you know what the expected prognosis is?

I don't know the details yet, but it can't be good. He has a prior condition (I don't know the technical name for it) but his body does not make red blood cells... So he's already at a disadvantage being that he needs monthly transfusions.

Sounds like bone cancer then. It's not necessarily a death sentence--cancer can and has been beaten. Just give him hope.

i have a friend who was diagnosed in dec 06. after almost a year of chemo and stuff they performed a risky operation that could have lefter paralyzed, without a leg, or dead, none of which happened, and she is now cancer free. in a week or so shes going in for a bone graft to replace the part of her hip that had to be taken out. in six months she'll be walking again.

cancer can be beaten.

I had myelodysplastic syndrome so I went through the radiation stuff et cetera to specifically not get cancer. Hey, it worked!

Best of luck to your friend!

I never said it cant be beaten... but the ratio of wins to losses isnt impressive. Thanks though.

Whatever you do, don't tell your friend this. Honestly. Miracles have been documented in cancer patients who kept hope alive--regressions for no reason, even complete eradication of the cancer from their body.

Well, there should be a point where he has to come to terms with his condition. But I know what you mean.

Tell him to try and make every day count.

I'm not going to act like its the end around him by any means. He has already outlived his blood conditions expectancy by many years. (hes 21, I think they gave him til early teens) So we will see.

I'm sorry about your friend. I hope it ends better than for my best friend's mom a year ago.

Just get him to laugh. Humor is the best medicine. And everyone I've known personally who has diagnosed with cancer in the last ten years has made it through ok.

I worked in a hospice program a year or so ago, and frankly, it doesn't matter what you tell them. What they really care about is someone spending genuine time with them and listening to what they have to say.