Newly diagnosed friend
My friend was just diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer. My friend is single, living with just her dogs. We are in different states. How and what do I do to support/help her?
The best that you can do is to stay in contact with her. Phone calls, text messages, email, video visits, what ever means are most comfortable. During my surgery, chemo, recovery then chemo and radiation treatments I had the help of three very dear friends. They helped me with getting to where I needed to be, called me daily just to say hello, and allowed me to vent when I needed to and cry when I needed to. Calls from a friend who lives over 1000 miles away were so comforting to get. She stayed in contact throughout the whole process. Miles may be between you and your friend, but you can be there for her in spirit and letting her know she can call you anytime of the day or night. You may also be able to help her research resources in her area that can give her help and support. Praying for you and for her for comfort and peace.
Thank you for your response. Appreciate your prayers. She was just diagnosed yesterday and was told there will be no surgery, just radiation. I know there are a lot of unanswered questions - right now I'm trying to put a list of questions together for her to ask her doctor. I know she is overwhelmed right now with just the diagnosis. 
Continue being the ear she needs, as there will be a lot to wrap the head around. I wish you all the very best!
I agree with trudyandme, those were great suggestions. Basically, save space for your friend and meet her where she is at any given moment. It's a roller coaster ride. You are a good friend! Warmly, Alisa, LungCancer.net Team Thank you to all who responded. I spoke with my friend Monday after her appointment with the radioligist. She will be having chemo in addition to the radiation treatments. I have told her many times that she can call me ANY time day or night. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas/suggestions for items to be put in a 'care package' that I will be sending? I also plan on sending a 'door dash' certificate. Again, she lives by herself. Thank you.
Door Dash is a great idea! For the basket, perhaps some nice lip balm and shea butter to help with radiation dryness. A coloring book or color by number kit .... hopefully others will chime in .... ~ Alisa Thank you for your suggestions - in addition to the moisturizers, I like the idea of the color by number kit!
Hi
. First, let me say that it is great that you are so supportive of your friend and have sought out a place that you can get information. On top of the excellent advice and information that was already provided I want to share with you this article from our editorial team on long distance caregiving: https://lungcancer.net/caregiver/long-distance-caregiving. In addition, I thought you and, of course, your friend might be interested in this article from our contributor Dusty on must know information for the newly diagnosed: https://lungcancer.net/living/newly-diagnosed-information. It includes important information on biomarker testing, which can be a game changer for lung cancer treatment. Please know that both of you are welcome here. Best, Richard (LungCancer.net Team)
