Reply to What is most helpful to say to someone with a serious medical diagnosis?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]"I am so sorry this is happening to you".

Keep the focus on the person experiencing it.[/quote]

+1,000

This is it.  No need to read further.

Show compassion and empathy.  Don't be dismissive ("I'm sure you'll be fine!") or fixit ("Just take ____and you'll get better.").[/quote]

Agree. and make sure the response is about them and not you. Do not revert to your own experience, your own anxieties. Offer support and concern and keep focus on them. Sick people tend to be pretty self-absorbed in general, for good reasons, and really notice when you make it about you.[/quote]

Also agree, second the PP who said to ask if there is anything you can do to help.

OP, I have not dealt with this for a life-threatening situation, but processing a dire prognosis involves coming to terms with all the possible outcomes. I agree that assurances of favorable outcomes, while well-intentioned, are invalidating and t feel as though the person making the statement does not understand the situation.
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