Family & Friends of Cancer Patients Support Group
This community is dedicated to parents, siblings, grandparents, other relatives, friends and caretakers of cancer patients. It's difficult to find a safe place to talk about caring for a loved one with cancer, and so this group serves as an open forum to foster positivity and support for those going through this tough time.
Recently, my sister was diagnosed with agressive breast cancer and I don't know how to deal with this. I want to be there and be supportive to her but I am falling apart myself. I can't eat or sleep and I feel sick and faint most of the time. It feels like I am in a nightmare. I am so, so scared for her and I don't want this to be happening to my family. I feel like my stomach has been ripped out. How do other prople deal with this? I am cheery around her, but then at home I am either dry heaving, crying, or hiding in bed. I just want to run so far away so that I don't even know this is happening to a loved one. This cancer was so out of left field. We don't have breast cancer in the family and my sister is young and very healthy. I just want this all to go away. The pain is so intense.
I’m also going through the same thing with my sister that is 50 years old. My sister had a double mastectomy. We can’t ask her how she is doing without her yelling that she has cancer. I have talked to my priest and have tried to be supportive. However it’s very difficult because she cries all the time. I have encouraged her to do things that she might enjoy doing. However she refuses.
How are things with your sister right now?
I'm also in fear of also getting breast cancer. My doctor found cysts in my breast and my lymph nods on my armpit and I have to go for yearly ultra sound check ups. I'm glad that I'm able to vent about also having fear of the unknown and always having to be strong. I cry in the shower as well when I do my self exams. I don't want to go through chemo or radiation therapy like my sister. However, I feel that I can't talk to anyone about the matter since my sister is going through such harsh treatments. That would make me feel selfish and unkind if I said anything. I'm trying to keep busy and keep myself occupied in order now to keep a positive outlook in life.
It's okay to cry and to have these feelings and emotions. Its a scary.