my sister in law just told me she has cancer of the lung?

Question

She told me and now she needs me to be with her the day she tells her parents. She says I am strong, but right now I don't feel strong. Any ideas on how to approach this? I am very sadden by this news and she wants me to be her strong shoulder to tell her parents.

Answer 1

You can be strong for her for awhile. Think of her, and not yourself. She needs you right now. There will be time enough to morn.

Answer 2

There is no one right way to tell someone you have cancer, but a straightforward, "I've just been diagnosed with lung cancer" will often allow you & your sister, and your family to speak as you have, about other significant worries in your life.

I can't think of one parent who likes to think, there is even a small chance that he or she may outlive the child. On the other hand, most parents want to be included in both the good times and the bad times. Parents can be major sources of positive support.

Answer 3

well if she feels as though u are strong then u will have to be strong. its a bad thing but it is natural. it will be hard for her to tell her parent but they will be able to comfort her and you can do the same i myself just quit smoking over a month ago after 8 years and i would be terrified if i found out i had cancer but eventually i would be able to put the situation in perspective and see in my case i have lived an amazing life. right now her head will be a mess and so will the people who love her but if she feels as though you can be her strength then guide her to strength. i found out i have a disease called huntingtons and it hurts to know its in the family but if it ever ends my live i will be able to say i live a good life, and knowing that, i will never give up on my goals best of luck in every way... for the first time in over a year i will pray for her and you and the people who surround you with love. best of luck... the guy you never knew

Answer 4

First, I'm so sorry that your SIL is ill.

But she needs your support more than ever right now. Lung cancer is a very difficult form of cancer to fight and survive. She will need not only her own strength, but that of everyone around her.

Think of it this way, if she weren't to survive this, would you want to have done everything in your power to make her remaining time as comfortable as humanly possible?

Cancer is such a tough health issue to endure. One of my closest friends lost his son to it several years ago. He taught me that you plan for the worst outcome while hoping and praying for the best.

Answer 5

Sad situation.
Are they all in the same city as you? Tell them when she is around them in person. Else the ache will be worser. Ask her for a day or 2. More importantly, spend time with her - need not do any talking and counseling - just see her and be around her ! the get parents too.

Answer 6

My best wishes for your sister-in-law. I hope things turn out well for her.
I'm sure that sitting there by yourself, thinking about it, you don't feel strong. But, I think, when the time comes for you to be by her side, you'll find the strength within yourself to support her in her time of need.
Most of us are able to stand strong for another, when we know how important it is to do so, at the time.
So have faith in her belief in you, to help her in this trying time.

Answer 7

Be her happy side. cheer her up as much as you can and get her mind away from it. About the parents tell her that they will be stronger then she, they will have hope and they will be strong to keep her strong. they will never fall apart coz THEY would want to be her strenth, they will be strong for her.

Answer 8

i no when i told my kids and family i had cancer it was very hard ..you just have to tell her there no easy way to say it best thing is to just come out and tell them..