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Support after losing a loved one to cancer

By June 6, 2009 - 10:14pm
 
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Today would have been my nephew Erik's 14th birthday, he lost his battle to leukemia last September. I know that time heals that heart but it's really hurting today. We miss him daily and continue to celebrate his life!

What type of support groups are available for families that have lost a loved one to cancer?

Thank you,
Ang

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Hi, I'm so sorry for you loss. Please private message me here on Empowher so we can chat. It's okay to cry - I still do it all the time when I think of him. Some are happy tears and others are sad ones. It must be so hard for you and you have her children as well. I'm sure they miss her so much to and the holidays are tough for all of us. I know you are looking for a support group, have you tried your church or the hospital where your sister was treated?
I hope to hear from you soon.
Ang

December 3, 2009 - 3:59pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Ang I would like to extent an invitaion to you and ask you to contant me via my E-mail [email protected]. I lost my sister to liver cancer 10 months ago and I just want to talk to someone that will not tell me not cry. I am helping raise her children and her dather look so much like her it is hard to get past pain that I feel. Anyway I too am looking for a support groug and I do not know were to turn. Somebody please help us.

November 28, 2009 - 10:56pm

Ang, I'm so very, very sorry for your loss. I agree with Tina, anniversaries and birthdays are always hard. In some ways it must feel like it's been forever since your nephew has been gone; in other ways I'm sure it feels like it was just yesterday.

My best friend lost a young niece about five years ago when a tractor-trailer truck that had not maintained its brakes slammed into the family's car. Losing a child in the family is the most primal of griefs. Even now, this many years later, it can cause my friend intense pain. But one of the things that she did that helped her more than anything else was to find a support group, like you want to do. When you have lost a child in your life, sometimes the only people you want to be around are those who really, truly know how you feel.

Can you tell us where you live? Would you like help finding a support group in your area? Feel free to answer here or to answer me in private by clicking on my name (in orange up above this response) and sending me your city and zip code. I'll see what I can find for you.

In the meantime, hang in there, and realize that you are doing well even when you are just getting by. This is tough, tough stuff.

June 8, 2009 - 9:20am

My heart goes out to you Angelica. Occasions like birthdays and holidays can be very difficult after losing someone and sometimes connecting others can help bring a greater sense of peace. You may want to take a look at this list of national organizations that focus on childhood cancers. They may be able to direct you to local resources.

June 7, 2009 - 6:05am
(reply to Tina Tran)

Tina,
Thank you for the information, I've sent the link to my sister-in-law as well.
Angelica

June 8, 2009 - 5:07pm

I lost my Step-mom on January fourth of this year.

The Church we go to has a grief support group. My best friends lost their Mom, Step dad, and two kids ages 1 and 3 in a house fire and they head the group.

Look around at churches - they sometimes have them and they are free and usally people who run them are going through the same thing you are.

June 7, 2009 - 1:46am
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