I need to be strong

Whyxox 8 years ago

1 reply

My sons girlfriend has been diagnosed with cancer. It's terminal. How do I help them? He is struggling a lot with it. They are child hood sweethearts and are just teenagers. Mummies are meant to make things better but I can't this time. I feel so helpless and feel as if we are not facing up to what is ahead of us. My heart breaks for them both and I'm scared for them and I'm scared of how my son is coping.

Clare 8 years ago

Hi Whyxox,

I am so sorry to read about your son’s girlfriend, and can appreciate that it is a difficult time for you all. It is normal for you to feel helpless and scared when things are so uncertain. You may find that reading about her particular diagnosis will help you prepare for the future. We have lots of information on our website that will help you both in practical and emotional ways. It may be helpful for you to read through the information we have about being there for someone: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help. You may find it will help you to support both your son and his girlfriend.

Of course, no two people’s experiences are ever the same and you will have your own ways of talking and providing comfort within your family. Sometimes, just being there for someone is all you can do, and being strong and allowing someone else to experience and feel all of their emotions can be more helpful than you’ll ever know. If your son would like to speak to someone outside of the family, he could always call our Support Line. We’re not trained counsellors but we can listen and provide some emotional support during this difficult time.  

If you would like to talk about things in more detail please call our Free phone Support Line on 0800 090 2309, or drop us a line via Web Chat: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help

Best Wishes

Claire

Marie Curie Support Line