If you are a friend to someone who has cancer it is your job to help them have a better chance of succeeding in the fight against their disease. In order to do this you have to understand, as much as you possibly can, what they are going through in order to help them. This is going to be the first in a series of lesson blogs regarding Understanding the Patient.

Lesson 1 - Be There!

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One common complaint I hear from patients and caregivers is that their friends have abandoned them. They don't call or come by and they just never hear from them at all. Don't be one of these type of friends. Be there!

As much as it may make you feel uncomfortable, and you don't know what to say or how to say it you must be there. You may not like the reality that slaps you in the face but deal with it and be there for your friend. Trust me if you don't you will feel guilt for the rest of your life over it.

You are not expected to have some words of wisdom that will miraculously fix everything or make them feel better about the situation. You are only expected to be emotionally and physically available for your friend. Just be there...tell them you love them, you are scared too, you don't know what to say, is there anything I can do to help you in anyway....be there to hold their hand, lend a shoulder to cry on, take food, go grocery shopping and pray with them.

Just simply be there!