I Am Not Sure What To Say To My Daughter

[Irishonly]

My daughter is no stranger to dealing with loved one's going through cancer treatment. I am a cancer survivor. She lost a beloved uncle and aunt within the last five years to different cancers. Two of my cousins she loves dearly are cancer survivors.

She called this morning and told me one of her best friends, age 17. has just been diagnosed with stomach cancer. I have alerted her counselor at school and the one she sees anyway. Does anyone have any magic words?

[knitter4democracy]

1. That's tough.

Does she knit or sew? Heck, she could just fringe a nice polar fleece blanket from JoAnns even if she can't knit a chemo cap or lap robe for the chemo chills. I've found that, with all my friends going through stuff like that, making something I know they'll need really helps me fight the fear and anxiety. Maybe cook up a couple of casseroles for the family to make things easier or have a fundraiser amongst the friends at school for iTunes gift cards (if her friend has an iPod) to listen to during waits and treatments?

[LiberalinNC]

2. Not sure if I have any magic words, my suggestion would be

just be there for your daughter. Good Luck!

[flamingyouth]

3. I'm so sorry to hear this.

I wish I had some words of comfort for your daughter. It sounds like you are doing all the right things by working with her counselors. It makes me so sad to hear of a child being stricken with cancer. My heart goes out to all of you. :hug:

[Irishonly]

4. Thank you for your suggestions

I apologize for not posting sooner. Bad news always seems to come all at once with little breathing room. We had just gotten through the hurdle of her friend's cancer and then more bad news. One of her childhood friends lost her dad to cancer. Her dad's friend had been like a second dad when she was young. When I was going through cancer treatment my daughter stayed with them when I was too weak to take care of her properly. The two girls used to make Father's Day presents and special Santa cookies together. When they went to middle school they drifted apart. It was a terrible shock. We knew he wasn't well but like so many of us, the cancer was kept private.

My daughter's friend with the stomach cancer is doing fine. Her treatment consists of chemo medication and then will have a band aid surgery. We put together a little basket for her. We included peppermint tea, a candle my daughter made and a few other things. My daughter grows her own peppermint so she really enjoyed making the tea. We almost forgot the steeper thingy but didn't.

Anyway, thanks to all of you again.

[Irishonly]

5. I Don't Know What Medication

My daughter's friend found out the cancer was much spreading much faster than the doctors originally thought. She is taking chemo through pill form. She's also a vegan so I convinced her mom to get her to a nutritionist. Then I gave her peppermint tea, ginger tea and everything else I could think of. She's been sick to her stomach and I am talking to her parents about medical marijuana.

[LeighAnn]

6. Sorry to hear of the setback

How is your daughter taking it all? I hope she's doing okay.