Breast Cancer

I’m so sorry to hear that Mel 🙁 That’s dreadful news… It is so lucky he has you in his life to support him. xxx

I got the message last nigh 🙁

I had to tell all our close friends as mat was not up for it. Today he wants to be alone but he will call if he wants me there.

Mel, Im so sorry to hear this sad news. My older sister was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago so I know what a big shock it is. The best advice I can give you is just be there for him whether he wants to cry or sometimes laugh. I found my sister often wanted to laugh but everyone else was so serious they thought she was crazy so she would laugh with me. Mind you she survived her breast cancer and two years later is all clear although her lump was quite large and aggressive. Good luck mel and just let him know you love him and will be there for him through good times and bad.

It seems to me Mel that you are being a really good friend and he would appreciate you just being there for him when he is ready to talk. Most of the time that is all that is needed xxx

Like the other girls have said, sometimes no words are needed, just a hug and a safe place and the knowledge that he can talk if he needs to, or just sit in silence and be with someone who cares if that’s what’s needed.

Mel, it’s really important that _you_ look after yourself too, and know where to go if it’s getting too much for you. It can be very hard on the friends of people going through this, especially if you’re his main support. The Cancer Council in your state is a great resource for you and your friend – they’ll have free counselling available to him, and they also have really great advice and help for those supporting people going through cancer treatment or loss. Don’t forget CanTeen – they have programs available for young people up to the age of 25, and they have programs tailored specially for young adults losing a parent to cancer. Also, I’m an oncology nurse, so if you have any questions or just want to talk to someone, I’m always here. x

Cancer Council Victoria – http://www.cancervic.org.au/
Cancer Council NSW – http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/
CanTeen – http://www.canteen.org.au

Thank you so much Frannybee 😀

Ill have to tell my friend about canteen. I just feel if i say something he wont like then he will just stop talking to me.

Like the other girls have said, sometimes no words are needed, just a hug and a safe place and the knowledge that he can talk if he needs to, or just sit in silence and be with someone who cares if that’s what’s needed.

Mel, it’s really important that you look after yourself too, and know where to go if it’s getting too much for you. It can be very hard on the friends of people going through this, especially if you’re his main support. The Cancer Council in your state is a great resource for you and your friend – they’ll have free counselling available to him, and they also have really great advice and help for those supporting people going through cancer treatment or loss. Don’t forget CanTeen – they have programs available for young people up to the age of 25, and they have programs tailored specially for young adults losing a parent to cancer. Also, I’m an oncology nurse, so if you have any questions or just want to talk to someone, I’m always here. x

Cancer Council Victoria – http://www.cancervic.org.au/
Cancer Council NSW – http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/
CanTeen – http://www.canteen.org.au

Thank you so much ladies
xxxxx

So sorry to hear another story of a family affected by breast cancer.

Unfortunately I have experienced the shock of learning that my Mum had bc and can understand how your friend is feeling. Luckily for me she is absolutely fine now after some fairly intense treatment but there is always that niggle in the back of your mind after such a scare.

My advice to you is to just ‘be there’. You taking the time to listen, give a hug, send a supportive text or cook a meal will mean just so much. One of the worst things you can do is try to ignore what is happening.

I distinctly remember people avoiding me when my Dad passed away (of bowel cancer) because they didn’t know what to say. All I needed was people to acknowledge that I was having a difficult time and to say a kind word.

All the best to you and your friend. x

Just continue to be a friend and be supportive.
Unfortunately there are times when there is really nothing you can say or do.
A hug and a cry goes a mile.
Unfortunately I have seen a few family and friends have tragic experiences with breast cancer.

My aunty passed away a week before christmas with cancer which had spread to her lungs and brain.
The terrible thing with it going to the brain was that towards the end she didn’t know who we where and was very forgetful, and hallucinating (said her mother, husband had visited-both of whom had passed)
It is very very hard seeing your loved ones decline, mobility decreases and personality disappears.

If you are any good in the kitchen cooking some meals (especially ones that can be frozen) are extremely helpful as often the family doesnt eat or very well as you spend all day at the hospital.

Im sorry that parts are morbid but it is reality.

We are here if you need support, supporting a friend.

So sad 🙁 havent been thru it but hubby’s mum had bc twice.

Anyway all the best for u and ur bestie in these hard times ….unfortunately we rnt invincible like we would like to b! life throws us curve balls and we just have to make the most of it and adjust! hope everyone makes the most of her while she is still around tho….show her how special she is enjoy the time they have with her.