We were told nearly two months ago that my brother has stage 4 lung cancer and has less than a year, he will be 60 next month. I've only just gone back to work since hearing the news (if I don't work I don't get paid). He's my best friend and it's crippling me!!! I'm supporting him as best as I can and keep flying back and forward to see him and my mom, who's obviously finding this heart breaking, she's 84. Feel lost and SO alone, even though I have an incredible husband. I'm distraught!! He starts chemotherapy next Monday. Been struggling to breath for a few months, (therefore he literally sleeps for mins at a time) but hasn't been given anything to help with this, which I don't understand?!! He's mentally and physically exhausted.
Hi Little Rossi and welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about your brothers diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis like this in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' support challenges can help a lot.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we look to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) and when it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your brother and your mum you may benefit from joining and posting in our
and
Supporting someone with incurable cancer
support groups where you will connect with others navigating the exact same support challenges.
To connect with a group click on the “Bold Italic Links” I have created above then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
You can then put up your own post when you’re ready by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
It is an emotional time supporting family so you might find this Macmillan information your feelings when someone has cancer helpful as well as this link getting help with your emotions.
It’s a challenging time for you so you may want to use the Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and support all the family.
Please do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
