When Someone You Love Has Cancer: Comfort and Encouragement for Caregivers and Loved Ones

Many books written about cancer are written for the patients. When Someone You Love Has Cancer is written for those whose loved ones have been diagnosed with cancer. What do you do? What do you say? What don't you say? Cecil Murphey, in his own straightforward style addresses all these questions. As someone who has had a loved one battle cancer, he knows all too well that these and many more questions will need to be answered. He takes the reader through the journey with grace, kindness, prayer, and loving advice. An Appendix lists practical things you can do to help those diagnosed with cancer. When Someone You Love Has Cancer is a beautifully packaged gift book with watercolor illustrations by Michael Sparks. Pastors, this would make a wonderful addition to your library. Are you a caregiver? Read this book to better know what the family goes through. If you know of a person who has just been diagnosed with cancer, run - buy this book for the family and friends.

When Someone You Love Has Cancer by Cecil Murphey couldn't have come at a better time for me. Three days before I received the email about this book, I got word that my uncle's cancer had come back. As someone who is living this right now, this book is perfect. It's short and an incredibly easy read, perfect for anyone who's facing the horrible news but doesn't want to spend hours paging through a book filled with statistics and dry advice. Murphey's book has short anecdotes with down to earth wisdom for the family and friends of cancer sufferers. Some of the advice may seem like common sense, but when your life is turned upside down, common sense is remarkably rare. Each chapter ends with a short prayer for understanding and strength. The most important advice given is for caregivers to just listen and be present for those facing cancer, something that I needed to hear. This book offers hope in the midst of a frightening time. Now that I've finished reading it, I will be passing it on to my mom, and I'm sure that she will pass it on as well. It's that kind of book.

I remember when I found out I had cancer. Immediately I had a support group around me, and around my children and family. Yet I also remember how helpless my husband felt as he shouldered the responsibility, the caregiving, and the weight of my diagnosis. He had to be strong, and yet his world had been shaken as well. This would have been a great source of strength on our journey through cancer. This book deals with the differing aspects of what you and your loved one go through in a gentle, truthful, and practical manner. If you know of someone whose loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, this is a great gift to place in their "I love you" basket.

Unfortunately, almost everyone knows at least one person who has cancer. It's one of those things that touch everyone's life in some way. And, those who must deal with it each day after day know first-hand what a struggle it is. Cecil Murphey's wife was diagnosed with cancer. As he says, "I couldn't make her better or take away the diagnosis. I felt powerless and empty. I did for her the only thing I could - and I did it for me as well - I prayed." Murphey gives us personal insight into the world of cancer patients. His book is divided into chapters, each dealing with some aspect of life with cancer. And, each has a short prayer that relates to the subject matter of the chapter text. An appendix offers guidance and practical advice for caregivers. Well-known watercolor artist Michal Sparks' paintings add visual appeal to the text. This is a must-have for spouses, care-givers and friends of cancer patients. 5 stars.

Cec Murphey's well-written book addresses cancer in a personal, practical way. The appendix offers guidance for caregivers and explains what to avoid doing and saying as well as what is appreciated. Michal Sparks' watercolor illustrations are beautiful. I highly recommend this book to everyone.