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Supporting a friend during 'The Wait' after biopsies.

MsWeiss
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Hello guys

I really have no idea how best to support a dear friend who has had two prostate biopsies taken and is awaiting results. He has chosen to tell very few people and should receive results within a fortnight. I've known him for thirty - five years (dated twice, ha) but this is the first time he has sounded and, understandably, admitted to being frightened. 

It isn't practical for him and I to meet up, Covid restrictions still in place plus a hundred mile distance between us. I just feel so bloody helpless. We normally message a few times a month and talk every 6-8 weeks. I think anyone with time on their hands is not well-placed in this situation plus he lives alone and is self-employed. 

Thank you so much for reading this waffle, if you've got this far! 

Any ideas to help me lower this fine chap's anxiety levels and be as useful a friend as possible during 'The Wait' would be gratefully received. 

Thanks again all and God bless you and yours. 

Jan Xx

 

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    Hi Jan

    Unfortunately, we've all had to go through "The Wait" and it's not easy. Fo me it was the not knowing that bothered me and not being in control and, of course, the what-ifs - one's mind tends to go to worse case scenario.

    How you can help is by encouraging him to keep busy, talking to him to take his mind off things and make him laugh. 

    I found walking in the countryside helped me and also treating myself to nice things that perked me up a bit. 

    My friend also gave me some good films to watch - nothing heavy, just funny ones. Before I knew it the results were in and I knew what I was dealing with and also how it would be treated. I felt much better after that as I felt more in control and optimistic about the treatment and future.

    I wish your friend all the best and hoping for a good result x

     

  • Offline in reply to Magpiemaggie

    Thank you so much for your comments. You're spot on, it's the unknown, isn't it, not knowing and also, not knowing when you'll find out.

    I'm grateful to know that there's nothing glaringly obvious I could do that's any different to what I can do,  right now. 

    Thank you for your good wishes, likewise, I hope your journey is nothing but positive from now onwards. 

    God bless and best wishes 

    Jan Xx

     

  • Offline in reply to MsWeiss

    Thank you. I'm sure he knows he's got a good friend in you - it will go a long way. 

  • Offline in reply to Magpiemaggie

    Thanks so much. I do hope so. Xx

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