Hi Shelley, welcome to the forum and so sorry to hear about your friend. I can tell that you so much want to help your firiend, but you feel helpless in being able to do that. What you're feeling is perfectly normal under these circumstances. All of us who have been in that position know what you're struggling with as you support your friend through this terrible time in her life. I can make some suggestions and I hope you take them in the spirit they are offered. First of all, when one receives a diagnosis of cancer, its' almost impossible to have a positive feeling about it. All of us who are there know the fear and aprehension that washes over us when we hear those words "you have cancer". Cancer is such a terrible disease and does take many lives. Having said that, great strides are being made in the fight against cancer, but we're really not quite there yet. Probably the best you can do for your friend right now is to acknowledge her fear around her diagnosis and the treatments she is receiving. Accept that she is feeling miserable a lot of the time and just provide comfort when and where you can. Just being there for her without trying to "fix it" will be a wonderful support as she takes this journey. Ask her what you can do for her and you may be suprised to hear her say, "just be here with me" , or something of that nature. If and when she feels she can be positive while travelling this road of treatment, she will bounce back to some semblance of her old self. Come back on the forum to let us know how your friend is getting along with her treatment and also to get support for yourself as you help your friend get through this. I can tell that your heart is certainly in the right place and your friend is so lucky to have you there by her side.

People on this forum are very caring and supportive to cancer sufferers and the people who care for them and about them. We will do our best to help you along the way.

Take care and give your friend a hug from all of us here on Cancer Chat and here's one for you too!

Lorraine  

Hi

Thanks so much, that is really useful and actually does make total sense. I just guess that we are all afraid and when she gets scared and upset we don't as her friends want to hear it, but this is a path she will need to travel. I will keep being there for her and phoning and visiting and just hopefully being a support.

x

Hi

Thanks so much, that is really useful and actually does make total sense. I just guess that we are all afraid and when she gets scared and upset we don't as her friends want to hear it, but this is a path she will need to travel. I will keep being there for her and phoning and visiting and just hopefully being a support.

x