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Help for sister in denial of terminal illness?

Page last modified on: October 16, 2008
Question from sis: My sister is terminally ill with original diagnosis in 2004. She has protected herself with denial, which we understand. However, it is hard on my brothers and sisters, as we must pretend this is not happening, protect her, and be with her 24/7. What to do?
Answer —Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.: You can only be where she is. If you feel that she's dealing with the situation with denial, that's the very best she can do. And it needs to be respected. The job of a loving, caring family is to be there with her, to stand by her, and to do what she feels is necessary.

On Wednesday, February 21, 2007, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Partners, Loved Ones, Caregivers: Taking Care of  You. Author Marc Silver and moderator Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W. answered your questions about how you can take care of your loved one and yourself during and after breast cancer treatment.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Marc SilverMarc Silver is the author of Breast Cancer Husband: How to Help Your Wife (And Yourself) Through Diagnosis, Treatment, and Beyond.

Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W. is administrative supervisor for psychosocial programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Lauder Breast Center in New York City, where she leads weekly support groups for women with early and advanced breast cancer.

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