On 7/10/2007 sisterjan wrote:
My sister has recently been diagnosed with SCLC and I'm having a difficult time. I just want to know the best way I can help her. She is in a lot of pain and today is her first day in the hospital to start treatment. If there is anyone who can help me to know how to better help her, please respond. And thanks in advance for all of your needed advice.
I really empathize with you. My sister has stage IV colon cancer and has had surgery and numerous treatments for the past 16 months. She is struggling and it is so torturous for me and the rest of my family to watch this. I feel so helpless and get panic stricken at times. All I can suggest is to allow her to have a "voice," to express her feelings, thoughts and fears no matter what they may be. This is actually harder than it sounds because there is no way for us to just "allow" it without reacting. I'm sure that she's concerned about what you're going through too. Use whatever coping skills you have to take care of yourself and just be there for her in whatever way she needs you.
Blessings to you and yours.