TW cancer (not me)

[nicolewi]

SIL was just diagnosed with breast cancer. Caught it early via regular mammogram; odds very good she will be okay, thank goodness. But it is on both sides and we don’t know the treatment plan yet.

What can we do for her? DH said send flowers but that doesn’t feel right to me. They are in our local area.

ETA: we plan to take the kids more and offered help with Christmas shopping/errands.

[maudefindlay]

Bringing meals and taking their kids to do fun things/sleepovers etc are the best things you can offer.

[dove]

Along with the above, Offer to drive her to treatments and sit with her. Run errands for her, as she may be tired. If you are going to the grocery store, ask if there’s any last minute things you can pick up. A neighbor of mine asked me if I needed anything while she was at the store. It was the simplest kindest gesture for me. I had just ran out of milk and didn’t have the energy to go get it.
Those are things I would have greatly appreciated during the heavy period.

[thoseareradishes]

I'm currently in treatment for breast cancer. When I have a chemo treatment I feel pretty terrible for about 5 days, and having someone entertain my kid so she's not watching TV all day is the best. My treatments keep falling when she has days off school so it really sucks. Gift cards for food are nice, and food for H and E (I don't have much appetite after a treatment). Just check in with her and let her know you are thinking of her.

[osulori]

A friend of mine went through the same recently-her treatment plan ended up being double mastectomy and radiation, followed by reconstructive surgery. She does not have kids but has two large dogs, and I know what she said was most helpful was people bringing food (a friend set up a Meal Train signup) and/or helping with walking the dogs.

[fn2187]

Dec 16, 2023 16:08:13 GMT -5 nicolewi said:

SIL was just diagnosed with breast cancer. Caught it early via regular mammogram; odds very good she will be okay, thank goodness. But it is on both sides and we don’t know the treatment plan yet.

What can we do for her? DH said send flowers but that doesn’t feel right to me. They are in our local area.

ETA: we plan to take the kids more and offered help with Christmas shopping/errands.

If she proceeds with chemo or similar, I would offer to drive her to appointment (s) when possible and entertain her (when appropriate) during long transfusions.