
Advocating For A Loved One
I’ve often written that it is helpful for a person with cancer to have an advocate present during doctor’s appointments and hospital stays. I’d like
Bob Riter is the retired Executive Director of the Cancer Resource Center. His articles about living with cancer appeared regularly in the Ithaca Journal and on OncoLink. He can be reached at bobriter@gmail.com.
A collection of Bob’s columns, When Your Life is Touched by Cancer: Practical Advice and Insights for Patients, Professionals, and Those Who Care, is available in bookstores nationwide and through online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

I’ve often written that it is helpful for a person with cancer to have an advocate present during doctor’s appointments and hospital stays. I’d like

Every type of cancer presents its own set of problems, but people being treated for head and neck cancers experience some of the most unique

Most people realize that their loved ones with cancer need special attention when they are beginning treatment. Fewer people realize that their loved ones also

People with cancer are sometimes hospitalized and their friends often want to visit to offer support and encouragement. Understanding some general guidelines will help make

I once received a letter from a man serving time in prison asking how he could help his mother who was ill with cancer. As

Getting cancer is awful at any age, but it has to be especially difficult for young adults. They’re too old for the nurturing and specialized

There’s a small tree in the living room of Gary and Mary Ellen Stewart’s house in Ithaca. It’s covered with cards, letters and drawings. At

Not everyone with cancer has built-in support. Perhaps the individual has no family, or an event in the past may have caused the family to

I recently had a conversation with someone whose good friend was diagnosed with cancer. She hoped that the cancer wouldn’t change their friendship, but it

Cancer is a weird disease because you can have it and not be sick. Or you can look pretty good when you are sick. This