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Family member diagnosed with stomach cancer earlier this year. Rest of family have broken down. I don't know what to say or do

Mommabear81
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Hey all.

We having a roller coaster of a ride. Had a family member took ill on Xmas day 2024 fast forward 2 month to February and got a cancer diagnosis.  5 intense rounds of chemo later, things looked good!!!

2 lots of blood tests later and the cancer has got worse.

Waiting for latest blood results and results from a biopsy to determine the next steps.

Rest of family had totally broke down which to be fair that's normally me so I've shocked them.

I don't know what to say or do and also have 2 young children at home that I don't say anything about the above in front of them.

Thanks for even taking the time to read this

  • Hello Mommabear81 and welcome to the Cancer Chat community.

    I'm really sorry to hear that a member of your family was diagnosed with stomach cancer earlier this year and that the cancer has got worse.

    This must be such a difficult time waiting for the results of their latest tests to find out what happens next, but I hope it helps to know that we are here for you Mommabear81 and sending all our support your way.

    I hope this information we have for family and friends and how to talk to children about cancer will be helpful, but I'm sure some of our members who have been in a similar position with their family members will stop by soon to offer their thoughts and advice.

    If it would help to talk things through with someone, do give our cancer nurses a call. They're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they will do all they can to support you and your family at this time.

    Coping with a family member's diagnosis and supporting them and other family members on this journey can be tough, but with us by your side you are not alone.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Aww it's rubbish. Just rubbish. I don't know what to say to my kids either about my mum. (Secondary brain cancer)

    It's like having a big problem all on your own. Friends don't want to hear it all the time so I just try and put a brave face on, but with kids around all the time it's hard as I just want to run away from a massive problem.

    It's also the waiting. Waiting for results, waiting to find out how long left she might have. And then what.....? 

    How do you manage whilst having responsibilities, its like something lurking in the shadows all the time. 

    I just want to either get really drunk or go off the rails as I can't see a way to make this better 

    Sorry not much help. All I can say is it is just awful. And so many people go through things. But today it's my thing and your thing and I feel lost and I bet you do to. Big hugs 

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