Practical advice on how to support my terminally ill sister

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi, my sister (38) was diagnosed and has been fighting breast cancer last October.  Recently she's had some symptoms appear that have meant trips to A&E and we've since found out that the cancer has spread to her liver and lymph nodes and this week she was advised that the cancer is too far gone for them to do anything, they can't operate and only give her radiotherapy tablets to try and keep the cancer at bay for as long as they can.  She's been told it's terminal and not sure how long she has.  I am beyond devastated and just cannot stop crying.  I feel useless and angry.  My sister lives a 2 1/2 hour drive away from me but I want to pull myself together and help her as much as I can.  She also has 2 daughters, a 17 and 5 year old who clearly have very different understandings about whats going on.  I've suggested that the 17 year old speak to McMillan along with my sisters partner.  What can I realistically do to help - I'm  just so overwhelmed and angry and I know I need to pull myself together.  I just keep asking myself how, why and what do I do to support my sister, how do you work through something like this - not knowing when the end is going to be.  Thank you for reading.

  • Hi , I'm sorry to hear of your sister's diagnosis. Have you tried ringing the helpline on 0808 808 0000? They can also recommend books/ leaflets for your 5 year old niece.

    Fear of the unknown is the worst thing. Once we know what we're facing, we find the strength to deal with it.