.

[Pembo]

.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

 

[tar heel]

We have a friend the same age and same diagnosis. Her prognosis is good, but she's already had surgery twice -- biopsy after first showed some cells. I took a meal of comfort food (chicken and dumplings, green beans, baked apples, dessert) the weekend following the first sugery. I'm going to do food again when she starts chemo. The second surgery was Monday, so I think I'll call her today, too.

 

[FINFAN]

Besides the hugs and meals, when our neighbor was battling her bout w/cancer my kids drew her lots of pictures and we taped her favorite shows, so she could watch them when she felt up to it. We also still visited as normally as we could, and tho the cancer topic was always there, we made sure to talk about reg every day stuff too. I also bought her tons of the scandal mags....Enquirer etc., she said she got a kick out of that and now she's hooked on them!

 

[Tuffcookie]

Prayers for Peg! Maybe you can send her a card every now and then just to let her know you are thinking of her.

TC

 

[piglet too]

Prayers for your friend and her family. I think just knowing that you care and are there for her would be great right now. Down the road, the ideas posted above sound great.

 

[Pembo]

Another update after talking to DH. This past Saturday Peg went in for a simple outpatient procedure to put in a port. Something went wrong and she almost died. She now has a pic line and can hardly get dressed let alone work or leave her home.

Also her middle son has Bechet's Disease. He has had it since the age of 18 mo. He has been relatively healthy the past year. Well he is sick again.

This is all so sad.

 

[Hillbeans]

Pembo, first I just wish I could give you a huge hug.

My mom was diagnosed with a very rare gallbladder cancer last summer and she passed a very short 7 weeks later. Her best friend, from when they were 9 (she died at 66) was there a lot for her and I just knew how sad it had to be for her to lose her best friend (my mom) after so long - they were like family.

All I can say is try and fill her hospital room with lots of "keepsakes" and visit all the time. We made a big poster of family pictures and kept it on the walls, and mom was so happy to talk about her "beautiful family" to all of the nurses and doctors. I think it took her mind off of the terrible pain she was in. It also, in my mind, put a "face" to the patient and perhaps she got some extra attention from the Nurses and Doctors.

I also got my mom Malted strawberry milkshakes almost every day on my trip to the hospital from work. It was the little things, in the end, that were such a comfort.

Wow, i'm literally in tears, sad for my own loss as well as what you're going through. Stay strong.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Does she live close to you? My answer is assuming she does.

Try to help her keep a positive outlook. That's the best thing in the world for her right now. There is great power in prayer and positive thinking.

Other things that might be helpful:
offer to run errands, cook some healthy meals and package them in small packages so she can warm up enough for one (it's tempting to eat wrong when you don't feel like cooking), bring books, magazines or even music to listen to, cards and phone calls to let her know you are thinking of her, offer to drive her to the doctor, send her a teddy bear (mine went with me to all my treatments and it gave me someone to hug when I felt blue - childish? maybe, but if it helps it's worth it), be willing to sit and listen even when it's hard.

 

[Tinks]

We lost my MIL to ovarian cancer one year ago. It is a tough road. My first thought was that if you live close to her and are able, take her to her chemo. She will need someone to drive her to and from, most likely. Maybe offer to sit with her when she gets her chemo, if she does it outpatient, like my MIL. Hugs to you and prayers for her, too.

 

[mommytotwo]

I'm sorry to hear about your friend. Cancer is such a hard disease to deal with. I have loved ones going through the same thing and it is hard when you want to be there for them and do thigns for them but are far away.
Maybe you could send her a card just so she knows that she is in your thoughts and that you are supporting her.

 

[4nana]

Cancer is such a horrible disease. I've been through this with both my parents, lost my dear Dad a year ago and my Mom is a breast cancer survivor.

Ditto on what all the others have suggested. Once you gather your thoughts, no matter how difficult you will need to be strong for her. She will want a good friend to talk to and a big soft shoulder to cry on. Even tho sad times like these are difficult to go through, it is when friends need you the very most. Postive thoughts and prayers. God Bless ^i^

Hillbeans ~ {{{hugs}}} very sorry about your mom....
OMG, for some reason, taking her a daily milkshake really got to me.

Sandie

 

[jacksonsmom]

Don't have much to add to what others have said, just wanted to send a big your way.

Be there for her is the best thing you can do right now.

 

[Dan Murphy]

's, Pem. A tough one for sure. Being there for her, down the road, when the initial shock has run its course, being there, for her, anytime, makes a big difference. a meal, a card, a floral spray, anything, a smile. Always lend an ear. You will do good, Pem. My prayers are sure with her, her family, and support.

 

[newholiday]

Im sorry

My older brother had and survived breast cancer a few yrs ago. Last yr the poor guy also had a massive heart attack and needed a triple bypass.
FIL died from cancer 8yrs ago

 

[Kitty 34]

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend! Sending you lots of prayers and {{{{HUGS}}}}.

 

[bigandy6]

Sorry to hear your sad news....but never give up hope. My sister has pancreas cancer and was given to Xmas 2003 to live. We are now in April and she is still with us thankfully. We really believe that you can fight this dreadful disease by having a positive attitude to it. All the family talk openly about it to my sister and hide nothing (the way she wants it to be).

I realise that all people are not the same and maybe my sister is one out of the ordinary, but fight it and don't let it get the better of you.

Good Luck and wish your friend well.
Andy

 

[Mickey's sunshine]

I am sorry to hear this Pembo. I will keep Peg in my thoughts and prayers. I will keep you in my thoughts too. {{{hugs}}} to you, let us know if we can do anything for you.

 

[parmstrong]

Stories like this always make me wonder...Why are some people so blessed and some people seem to have more than their fair share of trials?? I have never been able to make sense of it. Prayers for your friend.

 

[Rutt and Tuke]

I'm so sorry.