Tips for Visiting Cancer Patients
Cancer patients are going through a very difficult time in their lives, not only physically, but emotionally as well. There are special considerations for cancer patients going through treatment because of their weakened physical state.
Here are 6 tips to guide your visit with a cancer patient.
1) Set a time to visit and be on time.
The cancer patient is under a lot of stress, and uncertainty adds to that stress.
Set a date and exact time with the cancer patient, and make sure you're there at that time. It causes a lot of stress to the patient if you're late, or worse yet, you forget the appointment. I've had people say they'll visit me at a certain time, and then they completely forgot. The last thing you want to do is to introduce more stress to the cancer patient!
2) Make sure you are healthy and not sick.
Cancer patients going through treatment or post-treatment often have suppressed immune systems. This means that they are not able to fight off colds or flus as well as they used to.
If you are sick or feel like you are coming down with something, it's best not to visit. Let the cancer patient know, and they will appreciate you canceling your visit, as the safety of the patient is the priority.
An alternative is to talk on the phone. Even better is to video conference, if both of you are able to do that via the computer. This way, no germs will be transmitted, but you can still see each other and have a conversation! Skype provides free video conferencing.
3) Don't wear fragrances.
Radiation and chemo often alters the person's sense of smell. Smells that usually are pleasant can become unbearable or too strong to cancer patients.
4) Gifts
- Avoid fresh flowers, plants or fresh fruits.
Fresh flowers and fruits are the usual choice of gifts to patients, but for immunocompromised patients, these gifts can harbor bacteria that is dangerous to them.
Alternative to fresh flowers:
Paper flowers avoid the problems of fresh flowers,
and are just as beautiful and cheerful as fresh flowers!
Tutorial for handmade tissue paper flowers
- Avoid balloons.
"Latex or rubber balloons are not permitted due to potential allergic reactions. Additionally, metallic or mylar balloons are not permitted in ICU since they may cause interference with electronic medical equipment in the room." (from City of Hope)
Also, if the balloon pops it will give the cancer patient an unwanted shock! Yes, it'll be better to avoid balloons. ;-)
I've tried many brands of these window and wall clings, and I love the fun patterns and high quality of Home Stickers for Window and Wall the most!
What are good gifts for cancer patients then?
There are many gifts that can show your care and love.
Here are 10+ gift ideas for cancer patients.
5) Ask before hugging them or shaking their hand.
It is very natural to show your care by a hug or handshake.
However, if cancer patients are immunosuppressed, any physical contact with them is not ideal. It's best to just ask the patient if it's ok you give them a hug or hand shake: "Can I give you a hug?" Remember that they are not trying to be unfriendly, they're just trying to stay germ-free and survive.
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often have PICC lines in their arms or Ports in their breastbone area. When giving a patient a hug, be aware of this.
When I had a PICC line in my arm, I got a bit nervous when I got several tight big bear hugs that brushed against my PICC line.
6) Duration of visit.
Patients undergoing treatment usually have much lower energy levels. It's ideal to let the patient know how long you're planning to visit (eg - 10 minutes).
When the time is up, see if the patient wants you to stay longer or if they usher you to the door. It really depends on the patient.
Going through an illness is terribly lonely, and having company really lifts one's spirit. So, have an open schedule to allow for staying longer if the patient would like company.
If you have other tips for visiting cancer patients, leave a comment below!
Recommended Book
