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HOW CAN A COWORKER HELP?
Excerpted from Cancer Care.org. For more information see the Cancer Care web site http://www.cancercare.org or contact them directly at 1-800-813-HOPE.
It is important to realize that not knowing what to say to a person with cancer is quite normal. When dealing with a coworker's battle with cancer you may experience the following emotions:
- Awkwardness
- Fears
- Anger
- Sadness
- Disbelief
These feelings are not unique to you, and are similar to the emotions of a person with cancer. The most important thing you can do for yourself and coworker with cancer is to communicate. If you feel that a coworker's battle with cancer is too overwhelming for you, speak to a social worker or a counselor on the job, or visit a local support group.
How else can you help?
Many employees with cancer generally welcome the interest, support and concern of co-workers. They appreciate you being the co-worker you have always been, and your returning to the usual work relationships you have shared before their diagnosis of cancer.
Your involvement with the employee with cancer will depend upon the relationship you had prior to the cancer.
The following are more ways to help:
- Ask the person with cancer if they want to discuss their cancer; Ask if they want to be asked each day how they are doing or if they prefer to know that you are there to talk to if needed.
- Send a card, telephone or visit if a coworker is in the hospital due to cancer
- Let the person with cancer know that you are there for them
- Ask the person with cancer how you can help. Be specific: help with errands; help with difficult tasks; etc.
- If you feel uncomfortable, then share this with the person with cancer
- Keep the office relationship as "normal" as possible
- Offer to find helpful resources
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