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Tuesday, October, 07, 2008

Talking About the Scary Stuff: Discussing Cancer Death with Your Family and Loved Ones

by  Phyllis Johnson
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Phyllis Johnson
Phyllis Johnson
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Inflammatory Breast Cancer Survivor

Phyllis Johnson grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland. Parents of...

Phyllis Johnson

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I also read the Washington Post advice column -- about how to talk about cancer and death, if your prognosis is not good -- that Like what you're reading? Get convenient updates from Phyllis Johnson on Facebook, iGoogle, your personal blog and more!

  1. Thank you , Phyllis
    ragnhild
    Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 04:49 PM
     Your words are so wise.  I am a different kind of survivor, I survived my daughter's death from breast cancer and wish I could have died in her place. She was so beautiful and so ethical in all her ways.  I was with her most of the time during her battle, and I waited for her to talk about death till she wanted to.  She was able to tell us what she wanted done after her death, and she did believe in life after death which was a great comfort. I believe that being a good listener and not contradicting a patient is helpful. So many people want to help but do not know what to say or not say. Just listening and taking the cues from s/he who wants to talk is the most helpful. I wrote her story in 'Days of Goodbyes' after Maria died. That helped me, that was my way of talking. Ragnhild Munck
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    re: Thank you , Phyllis
    Phyllis Johnson
    Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 06:53 PM

    You gave your daughter such a wonderful gift by being sensitive to when she needed to talk and when she needed to process her feelings by herself.  I am so sorry for your loss.

    Phyllis 


    reply

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