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Is it normal to feel alone when a family member is diagnosed with cancer?

22 Answers
Last Updated: 06/23/2020 at 5:14am
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Top Rated Answers
Zinnia
April 7th, 2015 4:53am
I do believe it's normal to feel alone, but odds are, they feel the same way. I believe that no matter what, they'll be with you in spirit.
Anonymous
June 23rd, 2020 5:14am
My grandfather died recently because of cancer and it's terrifying. Last year when he first got diagnosed, it felt surreal, unreal even. It's like asking the world why of all the people that could have cancer it would be my grandfather, not that I want others to have this disease it just made us feel like losing it. My mon felt alone, it made me worry more than ever. We probably felt the same and I can't imagine how my grandfather handled it. The days sure felt too lonely that it made me want to just cover up and sleep or just focused myself into something else.
DancingAlong
December 14th, 2015 10:17am
Absolutely! It is incredibly difficult to find out a loved one has a disease as complicated as cancer. Despite how many people will be affected by cancer in our lives, we don't always know that. Remember that 7 cups has a specific forum regarding cancer and cancer concerns
ReannaLynne
March 3rd, 2015 1:46am
Feeling alone is a very common feeling. No one experiences tragedy the same way, even within the same family. When my grandfather was diagnosed, I felt lost, scared, and alone. I felt like I was next. It's a hard feeling, but eventually you'll pull together with family and make it through.
Anonymous
July 3rd, 2018 6:52pm
It is normal to feel alone whether a family member has cancer or not. Learning to live alone is a part of survival skill
mike251
February 28th, 2017 2:23am
This is normal. You may feel helpless and feel that your family member is gone, when in fact they are not. Cancer is not always a death sentence, but the general population equates cancer with end of life. When thinking like this, we tend to feel as if we have already lost the person. Feeling this way can make us feel alone.
baymax2
February 14th, 2017 3:30pm
Yes--it's a quite common feeling. When someone you're close to is suffering, you also tend to feel lost and hurt. However, to prevent further strain on the ill party, sometimes people try to keep their own fears and sorrows to themselves. This results in a feeling of isolation and disconnection.
ListeningJeff
January 23rd, 2017 3:14pm
"Normal" is a difficult label to nail down, but when a family member is diagnosed with cancer or some other major illness, I know that I'm unconsciously compelled to start thinking about life without them, which does indeed feel lonely.
Anonymous
June 27th, 2016 10:06pm
Cancer can affect different people in different ways, but it is completely natural to feel isolated and ever scared when someone close to you has been diagnosed with any illness, not just cancer. It is important to remember that support is there should you ever need it, not just from other family members and friends, but from your community - ask your GP
compassionateCat90
June 6th, 2016 8:29pm
Yes. that's very normal. It's a very difficult time and even if in reality you have other family members or friends there to help you through it, in your mind there could be countless thoughts rushing through. Although it's normal to feel this way, it's important to realize that you're not alone. If you don't know anyone you feel comfortable enough speaking to about it, you can always talk to someone here at 7cups to help you through it. You're never alone when you have people willing to help and be there to support you
BlissfulDreams
February 23rd, 2016 9:55pm
Yes it is, the family member may have been very close to you or you may have great memories with them and then to have them be diagnosed with cancer is life changing. They could die by this since it's such a deadly disease which would mean no more memories and they wouldn't be there anymore. Unfortunately, I've lost a family member to cancer and it changed my whole view on life. This is why I'm devoted to helping people because I know how it feels to lose someone so close to you, cancer or not.
blackspider
December 15th, 2015 9:08pm
Yes it is. My uncle was diagnosed with cancer and i felt that i couldn't do anything to help him and to treat him. Cancer is very tricky, and probably you feel alone because: 1. someone on your family is sick. 2. there's not a cure for cancer, you never know when it can spread or not. So you'll always asking yourself if the person will be fine? The main thing that you should focus is being strong, and talking and giving hope and joy to him/her. Simply be there for him/her.
Lennya
April 8th, 2015 3:51am
Having a family member diagnosed with any disease can be a very isolating experience. You are not alone in feeling that way. Try looking into family support groups to gain support from others going through a similar experience.
Greatlistener87
November 10th, 2015 2:25pm
You are not alone. Many people face having to deal with family members who have cancer. You can always go for talks for cancer and meet some people there who are going through exactly what you are going through.
StayForWhatsLeftToBeGold
September 29th, 2015 10:38pm
Yes it is. It is difficult to handle but it is life. You will eventually become... familiar with it.
sunshineBraveheart19
August 17th, 2015 1:47am
Its is normal. That when you kneed to remember that your not alone and there are many other people that are going through the same exact situation as you.
YouAreBeautifulAlways
July 21st, 2015 9:12am
Not at all! People I know have felt this way when their family member got diagnosed and they closed them selves up and pushed every one away for awhile, but remember! That you are never alone in your life!! You have us and so many other people going through this. You are NEVER alone ❤️
Anonymous
July 21st, 2015 2:09am
Yes, it is. I know. Sometimes you just don't know what to do, or how to react. It can be hard. You just need to talk to someone. It helps a lot. And being with them also helps, as if you never get to see them it can make you feel even worse and even more alone. It definitely is super duper tough.
Ametrine
June 30th, 2015 2:58am
I think people experience all kinds of emotions when they experience a hardship. There is no set emotion that you're supposed to feel. It's absolutely normal to experience loneliness.
Furrygirl77
May 3rd, 2015 10:44pm
It is perfectly normal. But you have to also remember to stay strong for them and yourself. You may feel down, but you gotta keep your head up.
FlowerInDisguise19
April 25th, 2015 1:21pm
Yes, it is normal to feel alone when a family member is diagnosed with any form of illness, you go through stages of loneliness because you may not be getting enough attention as you used to be or your family member may not be there for you anymore because they are now maybe more in hospital getting treatment. Perhaps you can try alternatives to feeling lonely, call your friends/a trusted adult, watch some movies, write a diary of your thoughts and feelings, cry even (it's not bad advice) it's good to let it out as much as you need to, read some books or check out poetry, or enjoy this lovely video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7X7sZzSXYs you just might be inspired to tackle the world alone with a little more confidence! :)
nightFlower81
April 16th, 2015 4:41pm
There are so many emotions that you will feel when a family member is diagnosed with cancer. Feeling that you are alone is completely normal. You may also feel confusion, sadness, helpless and unsure how to handle any emotions. These emotions, too, are completely normal. First and formost it is important to know you are not alone and it is important for you to find a group of people who are going through the same as you. A support group will help you handle any emotions that may come your way while your family member deals with cancer and also help to keep any stress that may arise.