Hi, mum just diagnosed, not sure what to think ?

Hi, totally new to all this, my mum, early 70's, an otherwise healthy 'live wire' of a lady has just been diagnosed with incurable but hopefully manageable bowel cancer, we are a close family but I dont know how to process it all, feeling a bit numb about it to be honest, not really sure how I should feel ? Really sad and worried about the treatment and surgeries she will have to go through but I dont think the gravity of the situation has sunk in :( Is there any right or wrong way to deal with this apart from with positivity and an element of denial ? 

  • Hi PB1904,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat, although I'm sorry to read about what's brought you here - I'm sure this is a very difficult time.

    Everyone reacts differently in situations like this, so there is no right or wrong way to feel or react. Try to trust and accept your feelings if you can, and recognise that they may change over time as you adjust to things.

    People often suggest to be positive but I know it can be hard. The best thing to do is to support your mum and also to make sure you have support around you for you too - whether that's friends or family, or via this forum, which is a very understanding community of people - so do feel free to use it as much as you'd like to talk through any worries or thoughts.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator