What's the best way to handle a sister going into surgery for cancer?

My 19 year old son just had his third surgery a few weeks ago. His siblings could not be there but they all kept in touch through his lap top computer. I stayed with him and read him what they wrote. When he was able he communicated through AIM or by email with the rest of the family and his friends.

He will be in stem cell transplant probably this week and faces a 4-8 week isolation period. He will be using the ole trusty laptop to stay in contact with everyone.

Does your sister have a computer she can use? Sometimes the hospitals will provide a laptop and Internet access if you ask.

Stay strong.

It sounds like you are doing everything you can! I recently went through a similar thing, my best friend had surgery out of town, and her chemo was there too...... Keep in touch, and letting her know she's in your prayers! I know my friend was really bored sometimes, since she could not go out and do much while recooping....I think it would be nice to send a kind of care basket, of things she likes to do, or maybe never tried? Such as a crochet book and needle, yarn, and some patterns...... an idea anyways :P

Tell her how much you love her and everything, but also re-assure her that her surgery will go fine. They've done studies, and people who have been *told* their surgeries are going to fine, in a test group, actually do better in surgery. The theory is that stress hormones interfere with the healing process.

Put her at ease as much as you can. Speak calmly and softly. Don't stress her.

What might be really nice is if you made a little gift basket with a few things to get her mind off what's going on.... something that will make her laugh and you could also put some items to relax in a bath, also if you have any pics of you and her together, send that with it, any music she likes. Just little things like that would surely help! Best Wishes!

I had cancer surgery 8/06. It sounds like youre doing the best you can do for her.But lets face it--you cant be there and your guilt is overshadowing your sympathy. What we want most is for you to listen to us. Let us rant, cry, laugh and be sarcastic. Please dont keep talking about how much you would like to be there. Love her, listen to her and find ways to make her laugh. MOST IMPORTANTLY---arrange to go see your sister as soon as possible and spend a couple of weeks or more. When youve made those arrangements--let her know youre coming. Just dont keep mentioning how you want to be there.

I went through a similiar thing with my sister last fall. I could not be there but we talked on the phone and we both knew that we loved each other and it was understood that I couldnt be there.

I can see that you have a good heart and love her so that is what matters. Try calling her .

You can tell your sister you are praying for her and say a prayer with her on the phone.May I suggest this prayer?? After asking your sis to close her eyes, pray " Heavenly Father, I come to you now asking your protection over my sister. I love her and even though I can't be with her, I know You are with her. God, Your Word tells me to trust in you with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding. Right now,God, I pray for my sister to have your peace. I thank you for my sister. I pray your angels hover over her for me. In Jesus Name."

I think you have been doing an awesome job already. Tell her how you feel. I am sure she already knows it.

Meows! =^-^=