My dad died a couple of years ago of lung cancer, he died 2 weeks after diagnosis and was so quick I didn't get to say goodbye, I lost my nan last year to dementia and shingles that went to her brain and watched her suffer, now my mum has beaten cancer twice before in the breast but now she has been told she has lung cancer which has spread to her liver and bones and only has a few months, I am trying to be strong for her and making her laugh as much as possible but I am breaking! When I am not taking my mum to appointments or helping her I have to work, I have no friends I can talk to - please someone tell me how to cope
I am so sorry to hear your story. It sounds like cancer has targeted your family pretty hard. I know what it's like for I also have lost several family members to cancer as wel as having had prostate cancer myself. I honestly believe at times it is harder for the family of the patient for you try hard to show the world a brave face while the reality is you are breaking up inside.
I have no magic ways with regard to coping but I can tell you this. You will surprise yourself with how you cope. We cope if for no other reason than the fact we have to. Most people find themselfes stronger than they ever thought possible. The worst part is we often find ourselves feeling inadequate because there is often little we can do, apart from being there for our loved ones which is difficult when like you we are working. When my mother was slowly slipping away, I felt like I have described because when I was young and had an ilness, my mother always looked after me and helped me get better. But where cancer is involved, only the doctors can do this. But we can bolster our loved ones by making them laugh when possible, just like you are doing.
Your mother will be so proud of you. Just try and make as many lovely memories as you can. As regards to friends to talk to, I have been a member of this forum for over two and a half years and I am not joking, I have made so many friends on here and it feels like being a part of a big extended virtual family. You may find that once you get to know a few of the many lovely people on here you will be able to talk to them more openly than you could to close family. So anytime you need to talk, come on here for there is always someone ready to respond.
Sending kind thoughts and best wishes you way, Brian.
