Hi, I'm quite new to all this cancer stuff. I was hoping it was something I would never have to deal with, just like everyone else on here. I was happy living in my own little world of cancer denial. And now it's changed everything, and it's not even happening to me.

I found out recently that my mum was diagnosed with low grade follicular lymphoma. It's started off as a tonsil swelling. She needed to have a body scan to find out if there were potential lymphomas else where. She's been told that there are 2 other potential sites for lymphoma and she's about to have a bone marrow biopsy. They've said results can take up to 4 weeks, and she'll probably end up having chemotherapy.

I've just got so many questions and I don't know what to do. I feel like I try to avoid thinking about it or talking about it, because it's hard to function otherwise. Do other people do this? I feel like I'm burying my head in the sand, happy in a state of denial about what's happening to her. Yet it feels selfish. I don't know how to tackle it. I'm pretty sure she just wants to get on with things as 'normal'. One of the first things she said was that people were treating her differently, not looking her in the eye, didn't know what to say etc. And that seemed to bother her the most! So I don't know what to say, or what to do to help?? Any ideas? I want to be strong enough to help but it feels like if I fully feel it I can't function, and In a state of denial I get on with life but then I'm avoiding it all. I just don't know...

Also it looks like she may be having chemo. I want to put together a useful gift basket before this happens, full of small useful and nice touches that may make her life easier. Has anyone got suggestions or a list of things that you think would be good for this? 

I also don't know much about bone marrow biopsy or follicular lymphoma. Can any one outline the stages of things that may happen next? Timelines? Medications? Procedures? Common problems? I want to feel prepared for what might come so I dont fall apart every time and become completely useless.

Any thoughts from anyone at all would be extremely useful. I'm literally keeping a book of ideas for help because it's so overwhelming. I just feel lost, and it's not even happening to me! How can I help her? 

Please help with some suggestions if you can... 

Thank you 

Xx