TABLE 1.

Communication domains and examples.

Domain	Examples
Relationship	“I love you”
	“Why do you have to argue with me all the time?”
	“You always sound like you don’t care.”
	“Do you remember the first time we met?”
	“No honey, I didn’t notice that. You are the only person I pay attention to.”
	“I just wanted to let you know that I am so grateful for you.”
Cancer	“My brain is being cooked with radiation.”
	“When was the last time I took my pain medication? Oh, I can’t take it for another hour.”
	“I’d rather have the pain than take those pills. I can’t stand being groggy”
	“You’re always wiped out after a treatment day. We shouldn’t plan anything.”
	“I’m going to be stuck at the clinic all day tomorrow.”
	“My last visit to the clinic was very excellent. They always treat me well there.”
	“When my mother had cancer, she didn’t have the same symptoms as you.”
Other	“What do you feel like for dinner?”
	“Anything but leftovers!”
	“I thought you liked leftovers?”
	“Did you hear what happened to the neighbor’s dog?”
	“No, what?”
	“It escaped out the back gate and went on an adventure…”
	“Can you help me move this table?”
	“Where do you want to move it?”
	“Just over so I can clean.”