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Demeter

(85,373 posts)
Fri Jul 24, 2015, 07:09 AM Jul 2015

BIL Diagnosed with Panceratic Cancer--Help!

They live 800 miles away, and I am oldest member of family left (it's been a year of losses).

What can I do to help sister and her husband? She has MS to cope with, besides.

Any suggestions appreciated.

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BIL Diagnosed with Panceratic Cancer--Help! (Original Post) Demeter Jul 2015 OP
Sweetie, ask HER. dixiegrrrrl Jul 2015 #1
So sorry to hear about your BIL! I hope he is getting the best of care. Glimmer of Hope Jul 2015 #2
My links disappeared! Glimmer of Hope Jul 2015 #3

dixiegrrrrl

(60,011 posts)
1. Sweetie, ask HER.
Fri Jul 24, 2015, 02:52 PM
Jul 2015

And ask this way:

tell me 3 things that you need this week.

If you say "how can I help?" it is too easy to be brushed off or too hard for someone to be specific at the time.

And find out what her schedule is daily, as there will be clues there about errands, etc.

Maybe she needs someone to pick up scripts/groceries etc or help with transport to dr appts or grocery shopping or home chores
and does not know how to find those services.
Maybe a pet is too much right now?

( Mr. Dixie is having mobility problems and I have a long list of things I need help with , which is what prompted my comments)

Glimmer of Hope

(5,823 posts)
2. So sorry to hear about your BIL! I hope he is getting the best of care.
Sat Jul 25, 2015, 01:05 PM
Jul 2015

You can find links to resources, including transportation, here:

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/index

This website has a lot of helpful information re disability and insurance but I have been unable to reach anyone by phone:

http://www.patientadvocate.org/

I set up an Amazon wish list so that people could help me with items I need while going through chemo. A few things I find helpful:
Soft tooth brushes
Biotene mouth wash
Warm socks
Unscented moisturizer
Silk pillowcases
Protein bars
Hand sanitizer


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