What should I feel?

Hi everyone, new poster here. 

I'm going through emotional turmoil right now. My mum has been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer about 2 year ago. She has now exhausted all of her treatment options and it has spread even more than before.

I am having trouble coping, I feel I am quashing any emotional feeling about it and continuing with my life as normal, when I know deep down I'm so upset and frightened. I feel guilty that I feel this way. 

I have no brothers or sistersd and feel like a lot weighs on me, I've never been in this position before and I'm having difficulty understanding.

 

Any experience or help would be hugely appreciated x

  • Hello Northernrachels, 

    I am so sorry to hear about your mum's diagnosis and that she has now exhausted all treatment options. Don't feel guilty about the way you are reacting it is perfectly normal to try and carry on with life as normal whilst feeling deep down that you are upset and frightened. So many on our forum will recognize these often troubling emotions and I am sure they will be along soon to reassure you that this is to be expected in your situation. It must be all the more difficult for you as you have so much to deal with on your own as you have no siblings. 

    We have a useful page on our website on how to support someone with cancer which will show you the complexity of the emotions involved and I am sure you will recognize yourself in some of the ones that are listed. It is important also not to forget to take care of yourself and you can read more about this here. 

    I hope others who have been in this position before will come and share their own experience with you and tell you more about the emotions they themselves felt when supporting a loved one with cancer. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator