Hi Eva_hows,

A very warm welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry to hear why you're here.

Unfortunately, a cancer diagnosis of any kind can play havoc with our minds. Do you have a Maggie's Centre near you? They offer free counselling and would talk things through with your sister - you could possibly attend with her, if she wants you to. I found this very helpful in putting things into perspective when I was first diagnosed. If you don't have one of these centres close by, there are a number of other local cancer support centres run under different names, which also offer these services. Ask her specialist nurse or any of her care team at the hospital. Her GP should also be able to tell her what's available locally. Macmillan also offer a counselling service. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Library, usually hold a list of these organisations. It doesn't usually take too long to get seen here, so might be helpful while she is waiting for MH support. All of the groups mentioned are specialists in cancer support, so fully understand the mental health issues associated with a diagnosis. Your sister might find these more helpful as a result. 

Many of the above centres operate as drop in centres too, where you can both pop in for a friendly cuppa and a chat with others wo are travelling this road. It really does help to talk about her emotions rather than bottling them up! Some of these centres also offer financial advice about available benefits, etc. They also offer various alternative therapies to help your sister to relax. Has she had a talk with her GP? They can sometimes help with medication to reduce her anxiety. I do hope that some of these suggestions help her. You are doing more than you think already, just by being there for her and trying to source the support she needs.

Please keep in touch and let us know how she gets on. We are always here for both of you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx