Hello, Sandy. My name is Bud. The word, when put together with a person who identifies such a large part of your life, is always a very scary thing. It is perfectly normal and all right to be as terrified as you feel. Your Sister feels, in different ways, every bit as afraid.

For support, there are many truly excellent organizations to help both of you. Right now, it sounds like you do not yet know just what it is that you will be facing. So, the first thing I could suggest is that you find a private place, and scream and cry and shout out your fear. With your sister, you can surely show your fear, but the best thing you can do for her is to allow her to talk about, and show hers. This is a journey of knowledge. Knowledge is power in this struggle. You will most probably be inundated with it over a very short amount of time. Take in all you can, and be a memory device for your Sister.

These are things that you can, and should do. Another important thing is, as you have rightly said, share your feelings and experiences with those who can appreciate them. This forum is a powerful example of that truth.

Have faith. It will be a tough ride, but many have made it successfully.

In His Care, and Yours,

Budroe

PS: One powerful support source that I can refer to you is :http://www.cancercrusade.org.



Write Well!

M. B. "Bud" Fields, Jr.
Clarksville, Indiana USA