Support

Dear SarahM123

Thanks for reaching out here, this is a great site and many will be able to give your words of advice and encouragement. It is a massive shock when a diagnosis is first received, but there are treatments which can help and life can carry on in a new normal. 

My husband has had a recent diagnosis, less than 1 month ago, I have found the best thing to do it be open and honest, allow the person living with the condition to express anything they feel, think or fear, just be there, on skype, whatapp, other video links to see each other regularly. Otherwise phone calls, letters and cards of encouragement.

My husband has a long time friend and he and his wife researched all the foods with high anti-oxidants which as he wrote in his card are supposed to boost the blood cells ad Blast the cancer ones.  They then sent a food parcel of these goodies along with the card sending a message of support.... We thought it was truly personal and loving gift. 

I hope the specialists can help your dearest friend and that you find the support here that you need to help her through the journey ahead. 

Take Care

Lowe'

Just wanted to say that I love the saying at the end of your post - tomorrow is not promised but it always has potential. Aim for your potential. Very poignant and great advice thank you

Dear Lowe, 

Thank you so much for your lovely post. It is so helpful to have advice from people going through similar experiences. The food parcel is a wonderful idea, and a very positive thing to do. Sending love and best wishes to you and your husband, and hopes for happier times ahead. 

with love

Sarah x

Dear Sarah,  

This is a very difficult time, not only for those with the diagnosis, but for those of us who have no true understanding of what is next and how that will have an affect on our own existence. (selfish as that may seem/feel)

So with that sad, this is really no different from everyday life, in fact some may say it is best to know, others would not want to know, but the truth is, our every tomorrow is a blessing. 

I hope that you will continue to look here for personal support and for any other support that your dearest friend may also need. 

Take care of both or you and enjoy every moment. 

Lowe'

I also have stage 4 lung cancer and my family and friends are pulling me through. I'm sorry to say that apart from the Macmilan nurse calling me on a Friday afternoon whilst I was driving to tell me I had a terminal tumour I have never heard from her since! Luckily I do have support from other areas or I'm not sure how I would have coped. Two years on and I've still had no contact from anyone Macmillan but luckily still alive and feeling very lucky despite the lack of support supposedly there for us all. I have worked for the NHS for over 10 years and in the main think they are absolutely fantastic but actually support is still lacking as it only seems to be there for some!