It’s a scary situation, but you can help.
Listen.
Make sure your friend knows that they can talk to you about what they're going through. Even the uncomfortable stuff. Avoid rolling your eyes á la Hermione.
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Bring them juicy gossip.
Distraction is invaluable during a long illness, not to mention the fact that everybody loves a good piece of gossip. If you're stuck in your house or in hospital for a while, any glimpse into the outside world is a delight.
ercwttmn / Via Flickr: ricoslounge
Buy them a magazine subscription.
Magazines are great for flicking through when your energy levels are low, or while receiving chemotherapy.
SBS One / Via imgarcade.com
Bring them flowers.
It's a cliché to get a sick person flowers, but if you're stuck at home for ages anything which brightens up the place is gratefully received.
Having said that, if your friend is dealing with severe nausea it might be better to give the flowers a miss as the scent may be too much for them.
julie / Via Flickr: roosterfarm
