Hi Chocolate61, 

I am so sorry to hear that your cousin has been diagnosed with cancer of the jaw tongue and tonsils and that she is needing a full body scan. It's so nice of you to want to show your support and affection even though you live several hundred miles away. I am glad your cousin has a great support network by her side at a time when she needs it the most and I am sure she appreciates you being there for her even from afar. Keeping in touch frequently even via messages or phone calls will mean a lot to her so that is definitely a good idea. It will mean a lot to her to know how much your family is thinking of her and those little messages to make her smile are such a nice touch. The flowers are always a great and thoughtful present but if she mentioned her house looks like a florist shop at the moment and she has lots in the garden, it might be better perhaps to surprise her with something else so that your gift is more personal and will remind her of you and your family. If she likes reading, books can be great companions to someone who has been diagnosed with cancer as often a cancer diagnosis means having to wait around for medical appointments or while having cancer treatment and reading can help pass the time a bit more quickly. 

I think it's also a good idea to get in touch with your aunt and uncle and send your good wishes and loving support during this difficult time. They might also be able to give you some recommendations as to what would make a good present or what would please your cousin most, what she enjoys doing at the moment. 

You might find useful to read our page for family, friends and carers and in particular the section on how to support someone with cancer. 

There are many ways you can show your support and I am sure you will find what is just right and that it will make your cousin very happy - in fact she will be touched by the fact that you thought of her and that you are there for her more than anything else. Members of our community might also have some good suggestions for you based on their own experiences and I will let them come and say hello and share their own tips with you.  

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator