My beautiful daughter-in-law has cancer. Over a period of three years, she had a mastecomy and now has secondaries. My son and daughter-in-law are very much in love and he is a tremendous support to her. I want to support him, but I don't know how to. He dotes on his wife and is fierecly protective of her. He does everything in his power to make her happy and they have the most wonderful loving relationship. I know he must be hurting so much, but is so focussed on supporting his wife that he doesn't think about himself. I don't know whether to just let them alone, but as a mother I want to support my son, i wish I could take the hurt away from them both. I wish I lived nearer to them but they live a 100miles away and I don't get to see them very often. I phone them, but I feel very frustrated that I am not able to be with them. Can anyone offer me any advice on how I can support my son.
I'm very sorry to hear about your situation. I understand how frustrating it is to want to help and not be able to. I am going through something very similar myself with my parents. My mom has an inoperable brain tumour and is now refusing treatment and my dad is tiring himself out looking after her but will not accept the help he has available to him.
I'm not an expert but the only thing I can think of is regularly reminding your son that you are willing eager to support him in any way you can, even if it's just a chat on the phone to vent and wait for him to accept your help? I know that's what I'm having to do.
I'm sorry if it's not a very helpful solution...
So sorry to read about your situation.
I agree with the other comment too. All you can do is remind him that you are there for him 100%. If he wants and/or needs to , have faith that he will reach out to you.
It must be hard when all you want to do is support. But maybe focus on his need to support his wife. It seems that supporting her and being there for her all the way IS his comfort. Everyone deals with cancer in different ways. From experience I know it is hard watching a loved one get a diagnosis, and a great way of coping is knowing yourself that you are giving your all to your loved one and being there as much as you can.
I know it must be hard for you, but he knows you are there if he needs you.
M x
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