I have just been informed by my friend that his wife has breast cancer and I want to help what should I do
Hello there,
Just simply be available if they want to talk. Be ready and willing to offer lifts to hospital and clinic appointments if necessary. As it is early days for them both everything will feel very strange until a treatment plan is in place. When they know more information you will be able to see if they want to keep the news private, as some ladies do, or indeed tell everyone like I did. It was the way I coped best at work. I went back immediately after the Cancer diagnosis as I could not bear being at home thinking awful thoughts and waiting for my Mx. We all deal with this news very differently so be sensitive and gentle with them. Your support will be appreciated so continue to be the caring friend you are. Love Tracy x
Echo what Tracy says. Lifts to hospital - or other practical stuff may be welcome and also being there for him. His wife will be the main focus (naturally) and he may feel sidelined but want to be strong for her. He’ll have his own set of concerns and may find it good to talk them through with a good mate’s listening ear. Rather than a face to face ‘let’s talk about it’ a walk or drive together may help him to be able to talk. As he has already told you he must trust you so you are well placed to help if he wants it.
Hope it helps. Partners want to feel useful against something of which they have no control. Affirming his support for his wife will help.
Thanks for this valuable info and yes what you say makes good sense to me so I will try to support in any way I can