How To Write For A CAncer Patient?

Are you wondering what to write on a card to someone who has cancer? Well, it’s a hard question especially if you’ve never been through the tough times of a cancer treatment. Writing a card for someone who has cancer can be undoubtly very difficult as one is being stirred by a huge storm of emotions such as denial, or fear of losing your loved ones forever.

Tips for Writing a Card for Cancer Patients

In case you’re wondering what to write on a card to someone who has cancer, these tips will be helpful:
Analyze the Seriousness of Cancer

A person who has been given few definite months to live should be given a different card than from a person who has found a small lump and is waiting for his screening. Usually the stages of cancer are categorized according to Roman numeral system.

The greater the numeral number, the greater chances of cancer spreading to other body parts. For instance, stage I and II of cancer refers to local confinement of cancer, but stage III and IV refers to advancement of the cancer to other parts of the body.

Sending a get well soon card to a stage IV cancer patient would seen very inappropriate and insensitive. In such a situation when you have to express your sentiments, use an honest approach asynchronous with the situation such as writing “thinking of you often”, or “our hearts are just snowed under sorrow”.
Use a Meaningfully Loving Tone

Let the person know the reason for loving them, what traits you specifically appreciate in them. Instead of saying a routine “I Love you”, say “I have always treasured your beautiful smile, your intimate friendship in my life, and yours always lending me a sympathetic ear”.
Be Empathetic

Think what kind of a card you would want to receive if you were the patient. Would you want to be cheered up? Or would you want to be pitied? Peep inside your heart, and you would know how to transfer your innermost true feelings on the card. Card senders should honestly express their feelings saying “I cannot find the right words to express my sentiments about your cancer diagnosis. I just wanted you to know that I think of you often and praying for your recovery." This is a simple but honest statement.
Employ a Little Humor

In case the person you’re sending the card to has a good sense of humor, you can make them smile by writing funny jokes, quotations, or a story. A better way to do this would be to share with them some personal funny incident that took place with you may be at work or at home. For instance you can write like:

Dear (name of the patient),

I just had to share with you a funny thing that happened with me and my kids when we were at the grocery store

Motivate Them with Inspirational Quotes, Verses and Sayings

Try writing an inspirational note for them, which will uplift their gloomy mood. The card should not be sympathetic in a gloomy tone. The recipient already understands he is going through rough times. He would rather want to read a succinct, encouraging message of hope than one of sympathy that highlights the negative aspects of his ailment

Don’t write,

“It’s sad that you can’t join me anymore for the morning walk,

instead write them an inspiring note saying that,

“I can’t wait to start our morning walk when you get better”.

Offer them a prayer, which will reassure them that they are in your thoughts. Here are a few more inspirational quotes one can fit in the card according to the situation.

"Some days there won’t be a song in your heart. Sing anyway."

-Emory Austin

"Courage is fear that has said its prayers."

-Dorothy Bernard

"When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."

Franklin D. Roosevelt

“In time of test, family is best”.

Burmese proverb

Offer Your Solid Help

Avoid using statements such as “do let me know if I can be of any help”. Many people get offended at such statements since they despise the thought of becoming a burden on someone. Offer solid help by writing,

“I would love to bring you few meals next week, so don’t plan cooking until next Monday”.

Think what would be some of the handful tasks for the cancer patients, and offer your help in the most creative and tactful manner which won’t make them feel bad about their situation. Offering concrete help to such patients would enable them to feel as if part of a supportive and a caring network.
End with Affection, Love and Hope

End the card with a heightened expression of love and realistic hope for their well-being. A funny joke or a memorable moment can be jotted at the end of the card too. If the person is in their last days, offer them laughter from blissful moments of the past, or other positive notes in their difficult times.

Remember, cancer treatment involves a long, patience filled treatment plan, and now that we’ve had a clear idea what to write in a card for someone who has cancer, the only best support one can offer to such patients is a sincere, honest acknowledgement of his tough battle and appropriate words to soothe them down which will definitely make them feel better and cared for.

In such a case, one would be in an absolute dark as to what would be favorable and what would be inappropriate to write in the card. At times, cancers are terminal, manageable, and even curable, but in every case cancer patients appreciate receiving cards from friends and family members as it provides them with an emotional boost and cheers them up. One thing is for sure: A stationary purchased card with formal words will not produce even half the powerful emotional effect of a card than what one can write them personally.