Are there any cancer support groups online or a place I can talk to people dealing with a sick family member?
467959
Call your local chapter of the American Cancer Society. http://www.oncochat.org/ offers an on line support group in a chat like setting. They also welcome family members of cancer patients, so you might want to check it out.\n\nhttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/support/organizations   offers all kinds of cancer support resources.
971338
My aunt passed away this past year from breast cancer, and I don't know if this is something that it unique to the city they live in, to breast cancer, or to terminal patients, but there was a hospice that helped them (her, her husband, my cousins, and my grandparents) through the entire thing, providing counseling for her and for her "co-survivors" (the people in your life whose lives are affected during diagnosis, treatment, and possibly death), being an advocate for her with the various doctors and hospitals and treatment centers, helping them find financial resources when things got really bad financially, and when the end was near, she went to live there and was cared for in a really kind, peaceful, gentle way (unlike at a hospital, where understaffing can happen, the hospice is small, and the people are trained for that particular work...  they became close friends through the whole ordeal).\n\nIt's not just with the elderly.  Depression in cancer patients and families of cancer patients is understandable and common.  If you don't know of any resources, start out talking to his oncologist (or a nurse at the oncologist's office, since a lot of times, the doctors can be rushed and not all doctors have a great bedside manner, while nurses are the ones who are actually THERE for the whole thing).  Express your concerns and ask if there are any centers, hospices, or other resources available to help them work through this time in their lives.  I'm sure they'll be able to get you to SOMEONE who could help, or who could tell you what the next step towards getting help would be.\n\nAll that aside, when my own grandfather had cancer, he was very trying to be around.  I say that, and I hope you realize that I love him very very much, and I understand that it's COMPLETELY normal for him to be upset, and all that, but realistically, yeah, he was difficult to be with.  Basically, for 65 years, he had been a robust man, working two jobs at time, a manager or supervisor in just about any job he had, he loved to be around people and to travel and to work out in his yard and all that, then he got sick, and was dependant on his wife (a woman my husband likes to tease about being the only 65-year-old woman to maintain her birthweight...  she's TINY) and his daughters and doctors, and he didn't have the energy he wanted to keep up with grandkids and go to church and he couldn't travel anymore.  Basically, he just had to hand over his "I Can Take Care of Myself" card, and I think his pride was hurt more than his body at that time.  So we'd bring him food, or help him across the house, and he was grumbling the whole time, not because he was bothered by us or he didn't think we were taking good care of him, but because he didn't want to be taken care of at all.  That frustration on top of everything else came out loud and clear.  Understand that your grandfather is a grown man (even if at times he has to be cared for like a child) and try to find ways to respect him that way.  In some ways, taking care of an ill grandparent is like taking care of a three-year-old.  They have to reliquish control, but they won't do it happily.  Sometimes the best thing to do is to let them think they have control, even over seemingly small things.  \n\nI'm sorry to hear of your grandfather's illness.  Take care.
48115
I am facing this too. My husband is in the last stages of cancer. I will be praying for you. They tell me it takes time to recover from grief. If you have faith that God has a plan for your life, I think it helps. There are support groups to help us-people going through the same thing.
830334
Are there any organizations in your community who can help you? I wish you the best, sweetie.
687335
here is a link to alot of different support groups,and chat groups,involving sex abuse,both adult survivers,and children..hope it helps
1044647
just be there for her. if she needs something or needs to talk be there . in the meantime you are gonna need someone to talk to you yourself so you can be a good support for your sister............................good luck! e mail me if you want. I had a 3 yr old with cancer\nterrinjohn89@adelphia.net
277975
I think you need to continue with school for your future.  I'm sure your mother would agree with that.  As for no money for treatment, etc., check for social agencies, hospices, churches, support groups (check with the hospital oncology department), etc. to see if they can help.  Sorry for your situation and may God bless and comfort you and your mother during this difficult time.
412535
I'm so sorry for the ordeal you both are having right now. My father has liver cancer now and my mother died because of liver cancer too.\n\nWhat I can say is never be apart from her. Be strong, brave, and patient. Talk to her and tell her good stories as it will make her feel very comfortable. Try to do a lot of fun things like going on a picnic with her while she still can. Visiting your relatives and going out with friends will help too.\n\nI suggest your wife go on holistic diet which is consuming vegetables and fruits. My father is doing that now in order to keep fighting the cancer and he no longer eats red meat as it will make the cancer grow stronger. Also the main point of holistic treatment is not consuming chemical-based medicines. You can find holistic books in amazon.com and I'm sure there's a doctor specialized in holistic treatment in your area.\n\nI'm wishing the best of luck for both of you. Keep praying, always believe in God and dont forget that miracles do happen. We can share a lot about this :) Cheers!
648222
That is close to a death in the family so don't rely on strangers to get you through this. Friends, family and God will guide you through. Take one day at a time...
229488
Try message boards on line such as:  http://www.lbbc.org/message-boards.asp\nhttp://members.boardhost.com/survive/\nhttp://www.breastcancergroup.org/\nhttp://www.komen.org/forums/modules/forums/Default.aspx\n\nYou can really see what these women are going through.\n\nAlso, try your locate chapter of:\nNational Breast Cancer Foundation: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/\nAmerican Cancer Society:  http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp\n\nFind out if any of your friends have another friend/family member who has lived with breast cancer.  A lot of women are eager to tell their story and share their information.\n\nGood luck!
877167
I have first hand experience in dealing with cancer.  What would be very helpful?  Offer to clean the house, offer to make dinner.  Help the wife so she can focus on her husband.  Also, visit him.  For my mom, I put together a "hospital kit".  I included a washcloth, bar of soap, shampoo, magazines, new pjs' etc... whatever they like.   And once grand-dad is able to, bring your daughter often so he can see her.  That will really cheer him up!
477724
The best thing I think you could do is find out alternative ways to help her and learn more about cancer. Th site below is very informative.
530695
Not sure what exactly kind of help she is looking for but here is a list of links I have. Some of these places I frequented when I lost a loved one and they helped a lot!\n\nhttp://groups.msn.com/GriefLoss\nhttp://www.griefnet.org/\nhttp://www.griefshare.org/\nhttp://www.beyondindigo.com/grief/\nhttp://www.groww.org/\nhttp://www.griefhealing.com/\nhttp://healingafterloss.org/\n\nPlease let her know that my thoughts go out to her. Losing a loved one and that grieving process is never easy and you should never have to go through it alone. I am hoping she finds the peace she needs to carry on with life!
187809
Go to this website for information and support:\nwww.cancer.org\n\nThis is the American Cancer Society's website.
1110208
I do not have MS, but my first husband did and my sister-in-law has it.  There are a lot of support groups for MS and if you contact them, I'm sure you could get on line with other people.  Also, going to the group meetings are very helpful.  My brother ran a group years ago and people helped each other with ideas, medical info, and personal support, etc.  Your doctor or hospital can put you in touch with a contact person.  I wish you strength and I'll say a prayer for  you.  Keep a positive attitude and stay busy.
149899
I do know of chemoangels, it isn't quite on the level of Make a Wish, but they hook you up with an 'angel' who can send you packages and cards to help you through the chemo process.  Best of luck to you...
969787
I am so sorry to hear about your family friend and hope you are providing support and understandin right now....the fact that she has secondarys (the cancer has spread to  another part of the body) is , I will be honest, worrying.  I know how awful this illness can be and how devastating it can be especially when the person has been healthy....my dad got cancer...he didn;t smoke, he was active and healthy....by the time he was diagnosed he had secondarys.  The chemo might be there to ease the side effects rather than cure or extend life...she needs to know which it is in her case....my thoughts are with your friend and all who love her right now...I do wish you well and hope that any news she has is positive.  Keep us updated? and if you need to chat...feel free to mail me