Helping a niece with dealing with her nanny's cancer

my niece if 15, and her mums mother has had cancer for some some time of the Breast? However it's now after years come back but terminal and has not long to live. I'm not sure how to deal with the fact she is very upset dealing with eating at the table as a family with her nan and grandad and parents and she can see her nan is very I'll, being sick etc and asked told me how she feels , but also has told her parents but seem to ignore her feelings. Now also they aren't aware I know of her upset , and its how I approach my brother to say she has called me , and is very much struggling seeing her nan but its kind of in her face and expecting my niece to just sit through it in an way.

So 1. What do i do, 2. Without underminding her trust to tell me. 3. How do I help her , 4. Is there a website or something perhaps I can send to my niece that she can show her parents to help them realise the upset its causing her. Any assistance you can help me point her in would be appreciated .

thank you 

  • Welcome to the forum AndrewOz.

    I'm very sorry to hear that your niece's nan's cancer has returned and is terminal but it's good that she has confided in you and you're doing all you can to help her.

    It may be that your brother and his wife are too busy looking after her nan to properly realise the impact this is having on your niece despite her telling them how she feels so maybe you could mention that you've noticed how upset she looks in these situations and see what your brother says.

    Do let your niece know that she can always talk to you about how she is feeling and that you'll be there whenever she needs you. I think knowing this will give your niece a lot of strength and help her a lot. 

    Our cancer nurses are only a phone call away if you would like to talk to them about this. Their freephone number is 0808 800 4040 and are available Monday - Friday between 9am - 5p.m. Do give them a call as they will be able to provide you with resources to help your niece show her parents how upset this is making her.

    I hope this helps Andrew. Do let us know how you get on when you can.

    Best wishes to you all, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator