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What to do when loved one just diagnosed with terminal illness

Catlover81New Contributor02 Aug 2018, 4:51 pm AEST

What to do when loved one just diagnosed with terminal illness

Hi,

im new to sane forums and I need advice on how to cope when a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. I’m 36 and yesterday I found out my mother has pulmonary fibrosis and fluid on the lungs. I have an 11 year old son and I have had so much loss recently. I have not yet lost a parent and currently feeling numb and in shock. I only lost my last grandparent three years ago so it’s strange to be going through this again.

4 replies

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In response to: What to do when loved one just diagnosed with terminal illness

NatalieSSenior Contributor02 Aug 2018, 5:22 pm AEST

Re: What to do when loved one just diagnosed with terminal illness

Hi @Catlover81 and welcome to the forums.

So sorry to hear about your mum. Receiving news such as yours can be quite a shock, even if unexpected. A range of emotions can feel like a roller coaster ride. Please continue to post on the forums as there are so many wonderful and caring people who pass by....we are all here for each other so hope you will feel supported.

My husband has a number of chronic medical conditions and was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis last August.

Thinking of you.

In response to: Re: What to do when loved one just diagnosed with terminal illness

Catlover81New Contributor02 Aug 2018, 7:33 pm AEST

Re: What to do when loved one just diagnosed with terminal illness

Thanks for your kind words NatalieS. My Mum also has a number of chronic medical conditions so I am quite worried about her. She is only 62 and I remember her mother passing at age 72 from similar conditions. I have borderline personality disorder and PTSD so it is extra scary for me because I have to manage my own mental health which I have been doing well at for a few years. I just don’t want to fall off the rails again.

In response to: Re: What to do when loved one just diagnosed with terminal illness

Zoe7Senior Contributor02 Aug 2018, 7:43 pm AEST

Re: What to do when loved one just diagnosed with terminal illness

Hi @Catlover81 So sorry to hear of your recent news - it is so tough even thinking of losing a family member but having such news is devastating.

I am pleased you have found the forum however and hope you find the support here you need. There are many members here who have BPD and/or PTSD so you are not alone.

If you have any questions please ask as there will always be someone around who can help you out.

Welcome to the forum @Catlover81

In response to: Re: What to do when loved one just diagnosed with terminal illness

NatalieSSenior Contributor02 Aug 2018, 8:06 pm AEST

Re: What to do when loved one just diagnosed with terminal illness

@Catlover81 Of course your mental health is a priority, especially during this time of uncertainty. I can appreciate that you don't want to "fall apart" in light of the recent sad news, but from what you've written I believe you are resilient and will get through. You say you have worked hard at being in a good head space, and I applaude you because its not easy to get to that stage. Life throws all sorts of things our way-not always good things-and noone is ever and/or always prepared. You will be supported here. None of us has all the answers but we are here for you. Sending you love and hugs.

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