Son in law having surgery for Brain tumour. How do I support my daughter? They live in Australia

My son in law is 2 hours into surgery to remove what they think is a rapidly expanding tumour.  It is a shock and his symptoms have only occured started 2 weeks ago and diagnosed on boxing day.  My daughter is at hospital with him but they live in Australia and I'm in the UK. She has just rung , distraught, not coping , crying and angry it happened to such a good guy like Jorge. What on earth do I say to her??? I'm lost and feel helpless. X

  • Hello there and thanks for the post

    I am so sorry to hear about your son in law, this must be such a difficult time for you and being so far from your daughter must be very tough for you.

    Unfortunately cancer can happen to anyone at any age and it simply isn't fair on anyone. It is understandable for your daughter to feel angry and upset about what is going on. It is normal to experience a series of different emotions at times like this and there is no right or wrong way of getting through this.

    The most important thing is that you are there for your daughter and son in law ( albeit at the end of the phone) in this moment in time.

    Sometimes there are no words to be said and it is just about listening and letting them know they are in your thoughts and you are supporting them through this together.

    I am sure he is in the best of hands with the surgeons and doctors looking after him. They will be wanting to do all they can to give him the best possible outcome. This is something you could possibly say to your daughter.

    I also hope your daughter has some other family or friends in Australia who perhaps can rally around her and your son in law as well.

    Times like this are challenging but hopefully once the surgery is out the way and the doctors know more they can sit down and discuss the next steps with both of them.

    As you say this is very early days and things have happened so incredibly quickly, that there really has been no time to process what is going on, which makes it even harder.

    Please get back if you need to or you are welcome to call us on the helpline. Our number is 0808 800 4040 and we're here weekdays ( except tomorrow, new years day) 9-5.

    Wishing your family all the best

    Naomi