Scared - how can I help aunt with stage 4 lung cancer?

Hello.  my aunt who is very close to me was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer last year. We were shocked as she seemed a healthy woman and didn't smoke. She's after loosing a lot of weight & im scared. How can I help her? Does this always happen with cancer. She says she eats but I don't think she eats much. It's breaking my heart. I don't want to loose her. She's everything to me. Why does cancer take our loved ones. Why can't this be stopped. I'm sorry to sound so down but I occupy myself with work and try to think that everything's ok but then when I see her or sit and think, the reality hits me. I haven't many people to talk too as everyone is busy and trying to live their lives, I don't want to burden my family as I know they are already upset . I don't want to tell her I'm this worried because I don't want to worry her. I guess I just wanted to vent and share. I really keep thinking it'll just go away and she'll be ok but that's not going to happen.  Every hospital app she has, doctors say everything's going good but I guess it's just as good as it can be under the circumstances. Thank you for listening. 

  • A warm welcome to Cancer Chat Worrier257 although I'm sorry to hear your aunt was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer last year.

    It can be very difficult to know how best to support a loved one on their cancer journey but I hope this information and advice we have for family, friends and caregivers will help.

    I'm sure some of our members who have been in this position with their nearest and dearest will offer their support and advice to you soon but if you'd like to discuss this with one of our cancer nurses, their phone lines are open Monday - Friday (except bank holidays) between 9a.m - 5p.m on 0808 800 4040.

    Do keep sharing your thoughts here if you find it helps Worrier257 and remember, you are not alone. 

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Worrier257, so sorry sbout your Aunt.  Everyone on this forum knows how you feel.......we have either got or had cancer ourselves, or we have lost (or are about to lose) loved ones to this horrendous disease. 

    The best advice I can give you is to make sure that you tell your Aunt how much you love her and how important she has always been in your life.  One of my biggest regrets is that I never told my mum how much I loved her when she was dying of cancer, and once our loved one has gone, it is too late to say it.  Don't leave anything un-said, take care mate, Violet xx