Talking about a serious illness can be difficult both for the patient and for the family members of the patient.  Part of this is because emotionally one person may be ready to deal with the potential realities of the illness more readily than the other person.  I encourage those people who are frustrated that the other person does not want to discuss it to be patient and when they bring the topic up do it in non-confrontational manner.  I also tell them I am there to listen with them express how they feel and perhaps by talking with me it will help them have conversation with the other person.

As a caution to family members who may be reading this post. When the patient is ready to discuss their illness please try to engage in the conversation even if you are uncomfortable doing so.  When a patient wants to discuss the illness or its ramifications and the family does not want to it further compounds the frustration and emotion burden the patient is bearing.

Listening has a value that is more powerful than we often realize.  All of us can afford to give the gift of listening!