How Can I Help?: Everyday Ways to Help Your Loved Ones Live with Cancer »

When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it is often difficult to know what to do. Those who want to help can sometimes make matters worse. Written in a frank conversational manner, this book offers readers specific advice on what to do for a friend or loved one in need, such as offer to do the weekly grocery shopping, pick up the kids from school or bring them to practice, choose to be a chemobuddy, and keep up with bills and other important deadlines. This stressful and uncertain time is difficult for the patient's family and friends. This book provides the support and guidance everyone needs to make this time easier.

Foreword   Paul F. Levy     xiii
Introduction     1
Cancer 101     7
Cancer Timeline: What to Expect and How to Help     23
Cancer Treatment Options: How to Help     45
I Know I'll Say the Wrong Thing!     63
How Cancer Brings Out the Best (and Worst) in Your Friend     77
How Cancer Brings Out the Best (and Worst) in You     95
The Toolbox of Practical Ways to Help Your Friend Cope     107
The Toolbox of Soulful Ways to Help     137
When Your Relationship Presents Special Challenges     169
How Much Should I Help?     183
Epilogue Today, Tomorrow, and Baseball     193
Plans and Resources for the Research Buddy     199
Helpful Resources     203
Index     215