I lost my best friend

2016 I lost my best friend to cancer. At the time I was 16 years old, she was 17. I struggled a lot with her passing. I am now 18 and I still find myself up at least 4 times a week, struggling to sleep because I want to have her home again. It will be 2 years in June since I lost her, people said that with time it would get easier but I miss her as much now as I did back then. I don't know how to cope or who to talk to. 

  • Hi brookeg3. I am sorry to hear about your friend. Have you been to see your GP who may be able to get you some bereavement counselling? Have you rung Macmillan and spoken to someone?

    I lost my mom to cancer and she was everything to me. I've also got cancer and am receiving counselling which is helping. Talking about how you're feeling is very important. Working through those emotions is the other step.

    Growing up I saw one of my friends get hit by a car and die and had I not had counselling I wouldn't be as strong as I am today. So go seek some advice which will point you in the right direction. 

    What type of cancer did she have? This forum has also been my saviour. So talking is a big help towards healing.

  • Hello Jbains, Thankyou so much for your reply. I have been to clan a couple times but others made me feel as if I shouldn't need counciling and that I should cope on my own. I haven't thought about going through my gp so I might try that, thankyou. I am so sorry to hear about your mother and your illness, sending all my love. My friend had a rare type of clear cell sarcoma and after normal treatment did not help, she enrolled herself into a trial drug programme in order to help others find a cure. I am forever proud of her for that brave decision.
  • That is extremely commendable what your friend did. You need to do what you feel is right for you. It's nice of others to give their thoughts and try to help but ultimately only you will know what is going to be best. I have always been extremely strong and always in control - always the one propping others up and giving strength. That all went out the window last year. I never even thought about ever needing counselling ever in my life. But I wasn't coping and rather than it becoming a serious problem I decided to nip it in the bud and have counselling. I haven't publicised it to family and friends but I'm giving it a chance. Thank you for your well wishes. Talking to the right people will help you face this and move on. I'm afraid grief is something that is very difficult. We just learn to deal with it better over the years. It's ok to admit you need help but do it for yourself. Be strong by taking control of it. I hope you do get to the point where you do she'd the odd tear but remember your friend with a big smile. Take it easy.
  • Hi Brookeg3,

    i was diagnosed with Clear Cell sarcoma in December 2017. 

    Firstly, I cannot tell you how much counselling has helped me get through this. Please don’t feel any shame in getting help! I’m sorry but anyone who thinks you can fix yourself is mad! I wouldn’t be able to fix my leg if I broke it, I would need help from a doctor, it’s the same for our minds. 

     

    Im really new to this so I don’t know if there is a way to private message? I would be really keen to talk to you if you are happy to? 

    Thank you for posting this message, I’m finding it hard to reach out to people so thank you. 

  • Hi kmullinsCCS, 

    I noticed you were asking about private messaging so just wanted to let you know we do have this function on the forum and you can find out more about it just here.

    Our help using the forum section has lots of handy tips and advice so do have a look through the other discussions there as they will really help you get familiarised with the forum.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator