Hello Mandy's friend,

Yes. I totally agree with Billygoat on here.

And please reassure your friend that she will find others who have been through what she's suffering now.

Yes. Telling my children was the worst day of my life. I still can't talk about it without tears. At that time my own prognosis was very short and my children had to know. They were teenagers, and I was only 44, with a sudden incurable diagnosis. Breast cancer throughout both my lungs and liver, and more.

But, take heart, everyone is different. And the medics cannot say how long people have can they?

Nine years from metastatic diagnosis and I'm still going, 5 grandchildren and one on the way, saw all kids through their education, and so much more! I still ride my bike and my quality of life is good.

After my diagnosis I worked on (part time) for 7 years as a teacher. I am now retired at 53.

I would be very happy to chat to Mandy anytime.

Yes those experiences at the start were incredibly traumatic, but the medical team, hospice and everyone else involved were incredibly professional and helpful.

There is so much I could say here, and honestly quite a lot of funny stories along the way.

Thank you for being such a good friend; I needed my friends more than anything because I could let things out to them more than I could to my family. I couldn't bear seeing my children hurting.

I feel for my friends. They took the brunt of a lot of my pain. I think they also needed support in their turn.

I am here and happy to chat anytime.

Thinking of you and your friend, and sending you all best wishes.

Mary

Ps. It served me well at the start of my cancer journey to ask for, and accept, all help offered. Especially counselling/ help with coping.