How to Deal With the Loss of a Loved One to Cancer

I have found that it helps to surround yourself with the loved ones who are still here with us. If you have an extended family, bring everyone together to celebrate the life of the person who passed away. This can be easier said than done as it is really easy to just shut down and tell everyone you want to be left alone but mourning with others you care about can really make dealing with the passing much easier. - longislandlatte on 1/17/2012 

I do not fully agree with the information listed in the link about how to deal with the loss of a loved one to cancer, because it depends on how the person prefers to cope. In this link it says it is best to surround yourself with loved ones who are still here. This tactic is great for those who need the company of others to cope, but some people prefer to have their personal space. - bluebox on 1/17/2012 

Everyone grieves in their own way but they also go through the same stages of grief. Even those who prefer to keep their emotions close and like to have personal space need the comfort of others to handle a death from cancer. Support groups are good for those who don't want to burden their family or friends or just need someone to listen. - HappyFish on 1/23/2012 

Grieving the loss of a loved one is never an easy task. Each person has his or her own way of dealing with one of life's most painful challenges. Generally, it helps to communicate openly and honestly with others in order to process feelings of confusion and sorrow. Honoring the memory of loved ones through activities that commemorate their lives can help ensure that their presence remains active even beyond their mortal years. Ultimately, everyone has a finite time to experience life, but a proud, compassionate legacy among those who remain is a sign of a life well lived. - ashergolan on 1/31/2012 

Everybody grieves differently and in their own way. Each person gets to every step of grieving at a different time as well, so I think the best way you can help somebody cope through the death of a loved one to cancer is to just be there for them. When they are in need of help, provide help for them. Be a shoulder to cry on or let them talk to you. I've found that letting them talk and having someone listen helps a lot. - searose on 2/6/2012 

Everyone deals with grief in their own way. While the earlier suggestion to surround yourself with friends or family may work for some, others might want to have a more private period of mourning. There might be a specific place where you and the loved one went together that would be good to visit alone, as a way to reflect on the relationship you had together. It's tough, and sometimes surrounding yourself with grieving people is counterproductive. It's definitely an individual question. - TabethaC on 2/14/2012 

We all feel incredible pain when someone we love dies for any reason. When that reason is cancer, sometimes it hurts even more because you have watched your loved one suffer through a painful illness that he or she ultimately died from. Sometimes it helps if you remember that your loved one is no longer in pain--but only sometimes. You need to grieve in whatever way that will let you heal with time. - eenerpd on 2/22/2012 

It is never easy to deal with the loss of a loved one, and cancer can make this process even more difficult. Depending on the type of cancer and its progression, the loss can come very quickly and take families by surprise, or they can be long battles that are emotionally draining for both the patient and his or her family. Dealing with the loss requires a strong family unit and support structure. - jwilson on 3/23/2012 

What helped me with losing my father was meeting with others who had lost loved ones to cancer so that you know you are not alone in this terrible event. - bluebox on 3/27/2012 

I hate hearing stories of people losing loved ones to cancer. I've lost a few as well. It rips my heart out, but just know that it's an inevitable part of life and remember the good times you had with that person. - Anonymous on 3/30/2012 

Everyone grieves differently, but it is always important to surround yourself with loved ones. Remind yourself that they are no longer in pain. Search around for support groups filled with people going through the same thing. It's a long hard road but there are ways to cope. - ashkgil on 4/3/2012 

There is no one true way to deal with the loss of a loved one. Everyone grieves in their own unique way. One common and positive step that people can take that typically helps, however, is to seek out support from friends and family. - Jononoj4 on 4/7/2012 

I lost my pop to cancer about 2 months ago I had to leave work due to cheat pains I am 16 the doctor said it was because of stress due to the loss of my pop, I got the pains again the other day, I can't talk about my pop without crying, I feel he is still here and I understand he is gone but I just want to see him but I know I can't but I really miss him, I want him to come back, can anyone help me I don't know what to do the doctor suggested I see a counselor but I'm scared - Anonymous  on 4/13/2012