Help Me Live: 20 Things People with Cancer Want You to Know

by Lori Hope

When we hear that someone close to us has been diagnosed with cancer, we want nothing more than to comfort them with words of hope, support, and love. But sometimes we don't know what to say or do and don't feel comfortable asking. With sensitive insights and thoughtful anecdotes, Help Me Live provides a personal yet thoroughly researched account of words and actions that are most helpful.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Medical

258 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2005

Reviews

[Sue Seely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lori Hope is an extraordinarily compassionate woman and a survivor. This book is a must read if you've ever known anyone with cancer, particularly if a loved one is dealing with cancer right now. She shows you in such a loving way....with insight, humor, common sense, and experience....how to be part of a valuable support system. Read this book! It's an easy read. It's essential!

[Deena Scintilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone who knows or cares about someone who is experiencing cancer either as a patient or as a caregiver. I plan to buy 2 copies-one for my personal lending library & one for my sister.

[Barb Keltner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book written by a cancer survivor on what to say/not say and do/not do when a friend or family member has a serious illness.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

What to say and do for people with cancer and what NOT to say and do.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noone wants to read about cancer but this is a very helpful book that tells you how people with cancer would want to be treated. We all know or will know someone who is effected by this horrible disease. It does not always mean a "death sentence" but I believe it's only human to think it is and probably feel it is. This book makes you think before you say things and makes you realize that it is not necessarily the end of your life. I haven't ready very much of it yet but know that it's a positive book to help us.

Still have not completed this book but has some wonderful stories and very helpful information. Good insight to this terrible disease that affects someone everyone knows.

Everyone should read this book!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic and I think is going to become my staple for friends with loved ones who are going through Cancer. It made me actually think about what is going on in my mom's head - as opposed to what I think I think I know.

Lori - as a cancer survivor herself - write the book with wit and wisdom. She interviewed a large number of survivors, physicians, care givers and support network people to put this book together.

Is everything perfect? no, but it at least gives you thoughts, ideas and insight.

GREAT BOOK!

[JC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently learned my sister has cancer, and this book has helped me feel more confident in offering her help and support. It's almost all common-sense, yet it's very reassuring to read what cancer patients want and don't want to hear. And the words of advice extend beyond just dealing with cancer--I feel more comfortable with the idea of talking to anyone with a life-threatening illness or tragedy. Highly recommend.

[B.j. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has a family member or friend who is living with cancer should read this book. Most people are just as shocked as the cancer patient upon learning the news. Most find it difficult to know what to say or how to act. This book is based on large surveys of cancer patients and summarized the most important messages that cancer patients want you to know.

[هناء يونس · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book for people who know cancer patients. When reading the book I relized the great resemblance in the cancer patients' way of thinking, attitudes and feelings no matter how different was their nationalities and religions.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was mostly common sense, but reading it helped me process some things and think a little more about the situation, which was a good thing.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only skimmed about half of this. It's pretty basic stuff (e.g., don't tell people "your cancer is a blessing in disguise! be thankful!"), but reassuring none-the-less.

[Breanne]

Extremely insightful.

[Susan Hester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hope has very good intentions but this book is over the top in detail. Cut by half or even 2/3, Lori and we'll get the point.

[Elizabeth Mullis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book and insight about feelings/ emotions of cancer patients. Helped me understand the feelings of my mom whom was recently diagnosed with lung cancer.

[Cathie · Rating 3 out of 5]

mainly common sense, did give you things to think about and examples of what was helpful

[Craig Dove · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a bad book, but a lot of it comes down to: pay attention. Be empathetic. Don't be an idiot (and of course, the idiots won't read the book, or realize how it pertains to them).

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read if you are know anyone with cancer. Based on a survey - very informative