My mum has been dtagosed with lung cancer yesterday to me from her Dr as she was too frightened to take the call and approved Dr to call me and explain,
I am devastated and trying to comes to terms with this news,
How do I break news to my mum ? I don’t know how to make this call.
Hello Audrey and thank you for contacting the online community.
I’m so sorry to hear about your mum’s diagnosis. It’s understandable that you’re devastated, and it can’t be made any easier by the fact you’re the one who has to break the news I’m sure. How are you coping with the news? Do you have support around you to help you while you process this?
There’s no easy way to tell someone something like this Audrey but it’s important to be honest and clear about what you know. Perhaps make a few notes before the phone call so you can refer to it. It'll help if your mind ‘goes blank.’
Our publication Talking About cancer has a section on ‘telling people the news’ (p.28). It’s aimed at cancer patients, but a lot of the information will apply to your situation.
Do you feel you have all the information you need about your mum’s diagnosis Audrey? If you have any questions you’d like to ask one of our nurses you’d be welcome to call in.
We’re also here for your emotional support if you’d like to talk before you call your mum and please let her know that we’re here on the other end of the line if she has any questions or would like to talk things over.
Take care.
Alex, Information and Support Adviser
Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.
