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- Ways to manage other people’s reactions
Ways to manage other people’s reactions
If roles become reversed |
Talk about changes to avoid misunderstandings; discuss ways to meet each other’s needs. |
If your partner starts doing everything for you, and this affects your sense of independence |
Explain that it’s important for you to still feel involved at home and with the family, even if you can only do small tasks. |
If everyone hides feelings to protect one another |
Try to be open and honest and tell other people what you need most from them. |
If others are overprotective or won’t leave you alone |
Set boundaries to maintain your sense of independence. |
If they refuse to believe the prognosis |
Give family and friends time to come to terms with the prognosis. Ask if they’d like to speak to your health care team. |
If they avoid talking about the diagnosis because they think they may upset you |
Guide others on how much you want to talk about the diagnosis and whether you’re interested in discussing other topics. |
If they ignore you or stay away |
Make others feel more comfortable by letting them know you’re interested in keeping in touch. |
Listen to our podcasts on Explaining Cancer to Kids and Family Dynamics and Cancer
More resources
Prof Nicholas Glasgow, Head, Calvary Palliative and End of Life Care Research Institute, ACT; Kathryn Bennett, Nurse Practitioner, Eastern Palliative Care Association Inc., VIC; Dr Maria Ftanou, Head, Clinical Psychology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and Research Fellow, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, VIC; Erin Ireland, Legal Counsel, Cancer Council NSW; Nikki Johnston, Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner, Clare Holland House, Calvary Public Hospital Bruce, ACT; Judy Margolis, Consumer; Linda Nolte, Program Director, Advance Care Planning Australia; Kate Reed- Cox, Nurse Practitioner, National Clinical Advisor, Palliative Care Australia; Helena Rodi, Project Manager, Advance Care Planning Australia; Kaitlyn Thorne, Coordinator Cancer Support, 13 11 20, Cancer Council Queensland.
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