what to say to someone with terminal cancer?

My estranged Dad (we have  only spoken twice in 30 years) has informed me that he has terminal cancer.  This has been confirmed by other family members.

He seems to want some contact with me. However, it sounds wicked, but I dont feel anything for him, he is a total stranger to me.  I dont wish what hes going through on anyone and have sympathy for his situation. However, I dont feel trying to have a relationship after all this time is going to be helpful to either of us. 

I wish him peace and have no anger towards him, but just have nothing to say to him. 

I thought I'd send a card, but have spent a week, completely at a loss of what to write in it. 

I dont want to upset him, but dont want contact either. 

What do you say to someone just diagnosed as terminally ill ?

 

  • Hi Kasey,

    I’m sorry to hear what you are going through. I’m sorry I’m not the best at giving advice but i’ll try my best. It must be so hard to summarise what your feeling. But I guess you could let him know how you sympathise what he is going through and let him know that you aren’t holding any grudges against him and maybe wish him the best. I think the card is a good idea as you can say what you feel without having much contact with him. 

    I’m sorry my advice wasn’t great, but I just wanted to wish you the best and I hope everything turns out ok! x

  • Kasey, i think you're had the right idea. Just write what you feel and think. He may just wants to make peace with you before he goes.

  • I dont think anyone can advise you on that you must do what you think is best then you dont leave yourself open for guilt because with a loss always comes guilt if you disown him after you will wish you hadnt griefs funny like that but also remember the closer you get the more its going to hurt dosant sound like he was to botherd bbout his family .knowing haw agonising loosing someone to cancer is if it were me i would meet up but not get to close basicaly i would do it to protect myself but then not feel guilty bicause i ignored him hope you can understand that .best wishs .p