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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]When I was in the thick of cancer treatment and surgeries, and had a kid in elementary school, the very best things I heard, by far, were words like this: 
-let us just pick up Emma for school this semester, we can swing by at 7:45 each morning
-we're going to the WaterMine on Saturday, how about we pick up Mason for the day? We'll get pizza for lunch
-I'm going to Giant this morning, does Logan need a 2 qt container for his scout project? I'll grab some extra
And make the pick ups and drop offs quick - please don't come in my house. If I can chat, I'll meet you at the door and invite you in
Thank you!

[/quote]

Oh Lord, this times a million.  When I was going through cancer treatment, my DS was in elementary school.  Friends in the neighborhood were helpful with dropping off dinners, but my biggest concern was always my child.  I didn't want cancer to affect his life at all.  I would see friends on FB doing playdates with the kids or trips to different events that we couldn't attend and sometimes I would cry because I just wanted my kid to be in that mix.  It was so hard.

If I was supporting a friend with a new diagnosis, I would be sure to say how sorry I am that he/she is going through this and then offer specific things I'd be happy to help with.  I'd text when I'm going to the grocery store or Target and say something casual like, what can I grab for you?  If they have children, I'd reach out with specific events that I can include their child in and then make sure to take and send photos, grab souveniers, take out for ice cream after, etc.

Medical crises can be so isolating and although people mean well when they say "let me know if you need anything", it's really just a throw away comment that puts the onus on the person who is sick to respond.[/quote]

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