How to Recommend a Nutritionist to a Loved One Healing From Cancer
- darkke
- Jun 20, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 10
If your loved one was diagnosed with cancer and you have a recommendation for an integrative practitioner such as an herbalist, meditation teacher, acupuncturist, nutritionist, Reiki practitioner, etc., or a resource such as a book or an article that you think may help them in their healing process, before sharing your ideas, please read below.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, my world turned upside down. Sharing the news with my family and friends was part of the process, but it was not easy on the receiving end. There are feelings of sadness, confusion, and helplessness that come with hearing that your loved one has cancer.
Many wanted to help in any way they could, including providing advice on how to support my healing journey. I was ready to listen and open to any help because my goal was a complete cure. However, at times, the advice actually caused me distress because I felt bad about not pursuing a recommendation and felt like I was not doing enough to support my health.
Looking back, there were a few things I would have wanted to happen differently, including how the advice came to me. The truth is that people healing from cancer may be in different emotional states during their recovery journey. Some don't want to hear any advice. Some do—but not all suggestions will resonate; also, the timing and approach of the advice are key.
So, how do you open a conversation where you would like to provide a helpful resource or idea without overwhelming a person or undermining their ability to figure out what’s right for them?
To open a conversation, start by asking for permission.
Be mindful that this conversation is not about getting your advice off your chest. It is about tuning in and being curious about what your loved one needs at that moment.
Here are a few examples of how to ask for permission:
“Are you including any integrative approaches to healing? For example, relaxation techniques, tai chi, or nutrition? I have some ideas that might be helpful. Would you be interested in hearing them?”
“I would like to help you in any way I can. Right now, would you like me to listen, or are you open to suggestions?”
“I know someone who has been through something similar. Would you be interested in hearing how they supported their healing process?”
If the person is open to your advice, keep it brief and to the point. Often, the advice may include a reference to a book, video, article, or the name of a practitioner. Suggest sending them an email or a text with the link, assuring them that they do not need to respond or even take up the suggestion—it’s just an option for them to consider.
Here is how you can close the conversation:
“Why don’t I text or email you the link to ______, just so you have it handy whenever you’re ready to look at it. Please don’t feel like you need to take me up on this advice, as you know best what’s right for you. This is merely a suggestion.”
Navigating conversations with a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer can be difficult and nuanced. These are just some starting points for you to consider if you have a good recommendation.
The uncertainties of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, which were part of my treatment protocol, left me feeling somewhat helpless. I knew I needed tools to support me outside of the hospital bed—to take back some control over my health.
Those tools ended up being nutrition, supplements, and counselling to sustain my physical and emotional health. Surprisingly, no one provided a recommendation for a nutritionist, naturopath, or counsellor specializing in cancer care—these professionals are not very common, given the narrow window of expertise. I had to sift through the weeds of the internet to find the right people.
So my message is this: please don’t shy away from providing a recommendation that you think might help your loved one on their healing journey from cancer. However, be mindful of your approach. It could be just the right resource or inspiration to empower their healing journey. My friends and family shared some wonderful resources with me, and I could not have been more grateful for their support.
I would love to hear in the comments what worked for you.
In abundant health,
Valerie
Oncology Nutrition Consultant
@Empowered Nutrition
Nutrition Plans That Empower Lives
Comments