Need Advice - Sister Just Diagnosed.

Merritmalloy

Hi all,

These boards were such a help when I had DCIS and uni MX 3 years ago.  Now I need advice about my sister.

She's just been diagnosed Stage II with Her 2 and will need 18 weeks of chemo.  She's so upset.  I didn't need chemo, so I can't tell her how it will be.  Any input?

Also, she's the big sister and the type of personality who doesn't ever ask for help or sympathy.  She's trying to be strong and act like she can handle all of this with little support from hubby/kids/me.  I keep telling her that she needs to let people help her.  So, next question...when you were going through treatment, what did people do that really made you feel better/stronger/loved?

TIA

Tara

vlnrph

Sorry you haven't had much response to these questions. For chemo, there are lots of threads you could read that address specific concerns. The basic thing to point out is that, even though no one would willingly volunteer for treatment like that, we manage to get through it. Your sister's clinic should have staff that can educate, reassure and provide support even if she thinks she doesn't need any.

It was nice to get little gifts, food, phone calls, cards - anything you think she might like. Help with running errands, doing laundry and kid transport would all be practical ways to step in. Avoiding crowds and the infections they carry is probably a good idea so you could go shopping: tell her you're on the way to the store and thought you could pick up some things (a household can always use extra toilet paper!)

Merritmalloy

Thank you vlnrph! Appreciate the feedback.