The Cancer Cards
Someone you care about has cancer.
You want to reach out.
You should reach out.
You feel guilty for not reaching out.
But what to say?
(What not to say?)
What are The Cancer Cards?
a deck of 20 cards
illustrating ways we mess up and ways to turn it around
because we want to be helpful, we just don’t know how
available as a card deck and as a phone app for quick access
In my family, we use humor to deal with tough times. These cards helped me, and my family keep the humor, but steer clear of being hurtful. Laughter is great medicine.
Reading through these as a family helped us avoid missteps and blind spots. This diagnosis is new for all of us. Reading through the cards helped us think and talk productively and authentically without being hurtful.
Wow! What a great idea. This deck instantly helped me when approaching a friend going through chemotherapy. Instead of fumbling for the right words, I was armed with tools that helped me show up with empathy and clarity. The card that hit hardest? ‘I’m sorry for crying.’ That one stopped me in my tracks with the reminder that no matter how uncomfortable I may be, it’s not about me. I’d recommend this to absolutely anyone who cares about someone facing cancer.
I had tears in my eyes when I looked at these cards. I’ve been family member, friend, and acquaintance to far too many who have lost their cancer battles. When I read them, I saw a beautiful way to be a better advocate and support system for those I know and love who must navigate this disease.
I needed to be compassionate and I wanted to be not just emoji-level compassionate. I got this from your cards.
These cards are a fantastic tool that take the mental load off of caregivers and family members. The idea of having a simple yet effective card that can offer so much in an extremely scary and unknown time is really something beautifully amazing.
These cards can be spread far and wide. They don’t take up much space except in your mind when you start reading them and realizing the impact of your words.
Here's an example:
click the card to flip it over
Deck details
20 cards, each with a unique scenario and resolution
2.75″ x 4.75″
click to enlarge
includes a booklet with more information, including two lists of tangible ways to be helpful
available as shown and as an app, in both the Apple and Google app stores
FAQs
How long will it take for me to receive my deck?
Orders are filled within 48 hours and take one to five days to get from here to there, depending on how far you are from Phoenix, AZ.
Do you ship internationally?
Unfortunately, it is prohibitively expensive to ship outside the US, regardless the tariff situation.
Are bulk/wholesale orders available?
Yes. Contact me.
Does the app require an internet connection?
The app downloads and everything you need is contained in it. To use the “share” feature, you’ll need an internet connection, but you can view the cards without.
Is there a subscription fee?
No. Both the app and the deck are one-time purchases.
What's the advantage of each version?
Some people prefer a tangible item over an electronic one.
Some people want as much as possible electronic over analog.
Some people prefer the deck but also buy the app so they have it with them all the time.
Are these only for cancer situations?
The content is all based on situations surrounding a cancer diagnosis, but you’ll find many of the ideas to be applicable to any situation where you’re confronted with someone in a difficult situation where you’re helpless to fix it.
Do you offer discounts for support groups or healthcare workers?
In bulk, the same as above. Individually, no.
The first iteration
If you’ve been around since the beginning, you know this deck used to be called How Not to Say Dumb Sh*t to Someone Dealing with Cancer. We have some stock of those decks still on hand. Want some? Use the “get ’em til they’re gone” button. If the button is still there, we still have at least one deck left.
Same content, different name.
