How can I help - I feel useless?

My sister-in-law has just been diagnosed with terminal bowel/stomach cancer.  She is meeting with oncologist to discuss palliative chemo next week. My brother died 2 years ago and we are extremely close.  I am a do-er and I just dont know what to do.  I am in pieces but everyone always sees me as the strong one that holds everyone up and I want to be that for her.

What useful things can I do to help her?  She wont ask for help and wont let me do practical things like housework or shopping as I think shes still holding onto normality as much as she can.  

Im scared about the chemo and wish I knew what questions to ask at the meeting with the oncologist next week. Questions that she might not think to ask but later down the line will wish she had.  Can anybody help me?

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat Chelle although I'm sorry to read about your sister in law and the loss of your brother two years ago.

    It can be tough knowing how best to support someone in this situation but I hope this information we have on our website will be able to offer a few ideas that will help.

    Hopefully some of our members will share their advice and experiences with you soon but if you'd like to have a chat about how to make the most of her appointment next week then do give our cancer nurses a call. They're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Best wishes to you both, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thank you Steph I will definitely call them and have a chat. x