Includes bibliographical references (p. 249-253) and index.
Contents:
Preface -- Introduction -- Things people with cancer want you to know -- "It's okay to say or do the 'wrong' thing." -- "I need to know you're here for me (and if you aren't, why not)." -- "I like to hear success stories, not horror stories." -- "I am terrified." -- "I need you to listen to me and let me cry." -- "Asking my permission can spare me pain." -- "I need to forget and laugh." -- "I need to feel hope." -- "Telling me to think positively can make me feel worse." -- "I want you to trust my judgment and my treatment decisions." -- "I want compassion, not pity; comfort, not advice." -- "I am more than my cancer; treat me kindly, not differently." -- "I want you to help without my asking you to." -- "I like to be held in your thoughts or prayers." -- "My moods change day to day; please forgive me if I snap at you." -- "Hearing platitudes or what's good about cancer can trivialize my feelings." -- "I don't know why I got cancer." -- "I need you to understand if I don't return your call or want to see you." -- "I want my caregiver to take good care of herself or himself." -- "I don't know if I'm cured, and bringing up my health can bring me down." -- Afterword -- Appendix.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.