My mum has been diagnosed with bowel cancer, her operation is scheduled for next week. She suffers from severe anxiety and I am seeking help on how to support her.
I’m sorry to hear that your mum has been diagnosed with bowel cancer. It must be such a difficult time for both of you, especially with the added challenge of her anxiety.
For supporting someone with anxiety during this time it can help to offer reassurance and be there for her, even in small ways. You might find that having a clear idea of what to expect before the surgery can ease some of the worry. If she feels ready, talking through the procedure and what will happen next could help reduce some of the fear of the unknown.
There are also some useful resources available on our website and I'm including here some info on supporting family, friends, and carers. It might also be good to encourage her to speak with her healthcare team about her anxiety as they may be able to offer additional support or coping strategies.
If you feel like talking things through, our nurses are available Monday through Friday on the freephone 0808 800 4040 if you're calling from the UK.
Wishing your mum all the best with the surgery and sending my best to you both.
