Helping family accept the news that my aunt is dying. It's causing a lot of stress and tension. It's incredibly hard watching my aunt decline

My aunt (60yrs old) has been told she is in the actively dying phase. Ovarian and kidney cancer. Several family members are having a lot of trouble accepting this. They are questioning everything the doctors say, requesting repeat bloods etc. Some of us have medical knowledge due to careers in the field so we are doing our best to keep her comfortable. It's causing a lot of stress and tension which is the last thing my aunt needs. I am aware that there are stages to grief but I feel they are not being supportive and don't have my aunts best interests at heart. How can I help them.

We have been told it's weeks not days. Having to see a steady decline is incredibly hard and I am struggling to cope. 

  • A very warm welcome to the Cancer Chat community Doubledenham although I'm really sorry to hear about your aunt.

    I can't begin to imagine how difficult this must be for you and your family, especially when some family members are struggling to accept what stage your aunt is at, but I hope it helps to know that you are not alone Doubledenham as so many of our members will understand the challenges you are facing and I'm sure some of them will stop by soon to offer their support and advice.

    I hope this information we have about how people cope with the news and talking about dying will help you figure out the best way to broach the subject with your family but if it would help to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses, you can do so on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They are very understanding and will do all they can to support you.

    Do keep posting if you find it helps Doubledenham and remember to take care of yourself at this time as well.

    Our thoughts are with you and we're sending all our strength and support your way.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator