My 24 year old friend/ colleague has been given a terminal diagnosis

My colleague and I know each other for 2 years though work. She is my favourite colleague, and turned into a good friend. She has been having health issues but she is a closed book so didn't tell us anything. In March, she messaged me telling me she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and started treatment. Obviously did the google research and I was in a state of shock and anger at how unfair this is. She had a positive outlook and had access to the best medical care so we were hopeful, or perhaps in denial. Yesterday, over lunch, she told me she is now terminal (didn't give me a timeline, and I couldn't ask). Again, I am still in a state of shock and it doesn't feel real. I don't know how to help her, or process this. I would love some advice.

  • Im sorry that your friend is going through this and that you are too.  I have terminal cancer havent been given a timeline yet.  The best advice I can give you is that you treat your friend as normal as possible and try to stick to your normal routine etc.  I had cancer twelve years ago and now it has returned and is terminal.  The best bit of advice I was given is to stick to the same routine whenever possible.  I appreciate when my work colleagues just treat me as normal and laugh and joke as normal.  It is a big shock for you and your friend is lucky to have you.