How to Support a Friend Going Through Chemo | Chemo Kits

Jessica DeCristofaro 29.August.2025

How to Support a Friend Going Through Chemo (Even If You Don’t Know What to Say)

When a friend is diagnosed with cancer, it can feel impossible to know the “right” thing to do or say. You want to be supportive, but you don’t want to say the wrong thing or overwhelm them. The truth is — support doesn’t need to be complicated. What matters most is that you show up with compassion, consistency, and love.

Here are practical and heartfelt ways to support a friend during chemotherapy.

1. Check In Regularly (But Respect Their Energy)

A simple “thinking of you” text can mean the world. Don’t feel pressured to write a novel — even short messages show you care. Just be mindful that some days they may not have the energy to respond.

2. Offer Specific Help

Instead of saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” try:

“Can I drop off dinner Tuesday?”
“Want me to drive you to your appointment this week?”
“I’m going to the store, can I grab anything for you?”

Specific offers make it easier for your friend to accept help.

3. Respect Their Boundaries

Some days they may want company; other days they may need rest. Let them take the lead and don’t take it personally if they turn down visits.

4. Give the Gift of Comfort

A chemo journey is physically and emotionally exhausting. Gifts that provide comfort — like cozy socks, lip balm, or skincare — remind them they are loved in a practical way.

👉 Our Chemo Survival Kit and Chemo Queen Kit are filled with these exact essentials.

5. Add a Little Laughter

Cancer can feel heavy, but laughter is medicine too. Send them a funny meme, share an uplifting playlist, or gift something playful like our F*ck Cancer Duo bracelet + pop socket. Sometimes humor says what words can’t.

6. Be a Good Listener

Your friend may want to vent, cry, or sit in silence. Be present. Don’t feel pressured to fix things — just listening is often the most powerful support.

7. Remember the Caregivers Too

Support doesn’t end with the patient. Their spouse, kids, or parents may also be under stress. Dropping off meals, offering babysitting, or sending a small care package to the family can ease the load.

8. Celebrate Small Wins

Whether it’s finishing a round of chemo or simply getting through a tough day, acknowledge their strength. Encouragement fuels resilience.

The Takeaway: Show Up With Love

Supporting a friend through chemo isn’t about saying the “perfect” thing — it’s about showing up. A thoughtful text, a warm meal, a care package, or simply sitting together in silence all say the same thing: you are not alone.

👉 Want to send love from anywhere? Explore our Chemo Kits — created by a stage 4 survivor to bring hope, comfort, and a little joy to patients during treatment.