Hi @allisonsnow I am Scott and my wife, who was diagnosed with brain cancer, fought it for 14 years. We spoke about her fight often, but I always tried to take my cue from her as to how deep she wanted to discuss it. However a spouse or loved one is a bit different I realize.

The vast majority of our friends and her family ghosted on her when she was diagnosed. Friends of over 40 years disappeared and family refused to write, call, email, or visit for all 14. It not only changed my wife and me, but also forced me out of my comfort zone with others so I now speak up with those fighting this, and other, disease. I most often start by 'asking permission' by saying something like 'I am here and would like to talk with you about anything you'd like, so feel free to ask or reach out to me when you want. I also often follow that with a statement about the fact I know words often fall short, but I want them to know how much I care.

Some folks open up, some do not, but I always feel better for having put my willingness to visit with them out there.

I have also become faster with sending condolences to those I know who experience loss. I try and make my words focus on the person reading the card or letter or listening on the phone or in the chair across from me. Since I know a little bit about what they may be feeling I offer, again, a place for safe listening.

We learned the important thing is to simply reach out. While I don't recall the words folks used when talking with my wife or me I much more remember who it was who never said anything to either of us. I know some folks are just paralyzed by death, grief, illness, etc. A cousin of ours never communicated with my wife died, but she lost a son and I sent her a card. She wrote me back saying thank you and that she had been 'too scared' to write me when my wife died. For lots of folks mortality is just too hard a subject to approach I think.

Good luck with your health issues too!

Strength, peace, & courage!