Is it appropriate to send a "Get Well Soon" Card to a cancer sufferer?

pawsies

I wouldn't take it literally if it was me.

I'd just think 'oh how nice' and put it aside?

It's a nice positive thought for her. I'm sure you won't be the only one sending it though?

Tiddlywinks

YES, do send the card... so many people shy away when someone gets diagnosed because they don't know what to say.

She is ill, so why shouldn't youu send her your best wishes that you hope she feels better soon. It'll let her know you're thinking of her.

somethingcorporate

I'd go with the get a blank card and avoid potentially upsetting them.

We have a friend that got us an incredibly inappropriate card after our baby girl died and I cannot bring myself to look them in the eye after thinking they can be so stupid and insensitive.

Torry_Quine

I have sent a Get Well card to someone undergoing cancer treatment and honestly surprised that some people see this as problematic. If the person was ill but no longer undergoing treatment then it would be a 'thinking of you' card instead. Just because someone has cancer doesn't mean we don't hope they get well soon so why not send a card.

gingin_2

I don't think people are saying don't send a card at all, some of us are saying don't send a "Get Well Soon" card, just to be safe. All it should take is a trip out to the shops to buy another blank card that the OP can add her personal sentiments to.

miss_independent

Thanks all! Oh dear... More confused lol! To clarify, it IS thought to be curable (she certainly seems to think it is according to her sister and best friend) and the tumour will be removed after the first set of chemo, so it is believed she will "Get Well". It's more the soon part I'm concerned about as it this stage she has been told she will be having chemo for around six months to make sure it's all gone after the tumour is removed. The card is very cheery and positive with great words but alot of people seem to think its the wrong thing to send...

To clarify we didn't fall out. She chose never to get back in contact with me after I became seriously ill and wasn't a "friend" to me once I wasn't able to get out and about socially. As with many friends at the time (bar one), I got tossed on the scrap heap once I was no fun anymore. But that's not what this is about at all, I genuinely feel so sorry for her and wish her a speedy recovery. Part of me thinks a blank card, especially to a very young person, may make her think that I've written her off or something lol? Very confused but I don't want to ignore it. After all that's what happened to me and I was robbed of my health and 99% of my friends at that time. I wouldn't want that to happen to someone else, it's horrible.

CH27

I would send a blank card wishing her well.
I would avoid a Get Well soon card as you don't know all the details.

miss_independent

I should add, I can't offer any practical help such as hoovering etc as every day is a struggle with my own health and I'm not getting out much at the moment due to risk of infection. So getting to the shops is also problematic. Sorry to be a pain!

Nicki

My MIL had cancer (thankfully now in remission) and she reacted badly to anything which she saw as insensitive due to her shock and grief. So she would have been upset to get a "get well soon" card, just as she was upset about any comments about hair in her presence because it reminded her of her likely hair loss, and other similar things. So even though some cancer patients might be ok about it, others would not and as OP hasn't seen her friend for a while and parted from her badly, a blank card would be safer IMHO

miss_independent

rach29 wrote: »

I have recently been given the "all clear" after being diagnosed with cancer last Christmas. I got lots of get well cards & I very much appreciated them. In my opinion, if her treatment is deemed to be a "cure" then it's entirely appropriate to send a Get Well card.

I would hate to think people who didn't send cards refrained from doing so because they thought I wouldnt make it :eek:

Personally I think its a lovely thing for you to get back in touch and let her know you are thinking of her. If you are able, I'm sure an offer of practical help would go down well too. For example taking round a prepared meal, or offerring to run the Hoover round. Chemo can be very debilitating & energy levels can be very low so practical help is invaluable.

Also, just a bit of company can be wonderful, if you can pop round to see her. Illness can be quite isolating, especially if it's long term.

Wishing your friend a speedy recovery.

Congratulations :j:T:D