what are some behaviors a family member might experience when someone has been diagnosed with terminal illness
88488
Denial, anger, sadness and lastly, acceptance
878375
You have probably met & befriended several people who had a mental illness but, because you didn't know they had a mental illness, you probably had no problem socializing or being a friend. Because you know this person has a mental illness, you are focusing on that and it is causing your discomfort. \n\nThe thing to remember is that, just like any other illness, it is not something that a person chooses to have.  No one is responsible for the feelings they have - we are only responsible for the way we behave in response to those feelings.  Hopefully this person's therapy at the hospital has given him or her help in coping with the illness and doing a better job of dealing with life.  I would hope that you could give this person the benefit of the doubt and treat him or her just as you would anyone who is recovering from an illness. Don't focus on the issue that it is a "mental" illness.  Just meet this person on the same basis you would meet any one else.  If your SO is truly "significant" to you, you should do all that you can to help the SO and family maintain a loving & supportive relationship with this family member.
1065181
This can be addressed with medication and therapy.  Please contact your local mental health facility for advice.  Before you sic the health department on your family member or start pitching stuff out behind their back, please at least do this.  If you just take over and do things for them, it takes away all their control, and they literally may never speak to you again.  If you care about them,  get them some help but be compassionate.\nThis is an invaluable site for some insight for you and them:\nhttp://www.squalorsurvivors.com
71194
Their lives with the loved ones.
447600
Have you tried telling them that smoking will lead to CO PD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and that you don't want to "watch them die".  I went through that with both my mom and dad and had to watch both of them die a horrible death.  Try being "honest" and tell them you don't think it's fair for them to put you through watching them "die" from something they are doing by choice!  Good luck to you, however it turns out.  I wouldn't wish what I went through on anyone!  If you want, print my answer out and show it to them!  I've been there, what you are going to have to go through if they don't stop!  Good luck, and God Speed, no matter how it turns out.
35064
Offer your sympathies to the family and offer to do anything that they need. Then follow through since some people have a hard time asking for help. Making sandwiches, snacks, or a casserole is also nice.
492965
Oh No :( ..\nI would definetly call at least her doctor, and see what  he suggests. If he knows her wishes are to die at home,and not in a Hospital, at least he may be able to give you some suggestions. That is just terrible, and I am very sorry for you and your family. She must be a very special woman to have lived so long! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
315
It really depends on the beliefs of the individual. If they are religious, talk to them about their beliefs about the afterlife. If they are worried about how their actions in life may affect their disposition after death, recall for them (if possible) their good works and deeds. If they believe in God, remind them of the principles of divine forgiveness. If they're not religious, ask them about their beliefs. Reassure them of their impact on your life. If you're there at their bedside, I assume they've touched you somewhat, somehow.\n\nThis is not a time to hold a grudge. If you have a disagreement with them, try to forgive. Remember you will have to live with yourself after the other person is gone. Let them know you will remember them fondly. Recall good times with them to help ease their pain.
258498
The first thing that you need to do is calm down.  I work in cancer research and at one of the best cancer treatment hospitals in the country.  This is a very standard procedure for someone who is newly diagnosed.  Your FIL and the family are going to need a lot of support and a lot of help throughout this entire time.\n\nThe doctors understand that your family will be over-emotional during this time and a NON family member will be able to take in information as well as convey information better after the consultation is over.  You should be prepared for A LOT of information to be thrown at you very quickly.  The outside person is simply there to help with the stress of the situation as much as possible.\n\nPlease feel free to email me if you need to talk to an outside source I would be really happy to help you and your family riklynn10@hotmail.com
135049
I don't know first hand but I am sure the family will put a lot of blame on themselves, and asking alot of questions like Why and how could I let this happen. Pressure and stress would be overwhelming and a feel of selflessness and even maybe the family seperations due to the stress, and due to the blame of oneself and others.
1099457
I'm sorry to hear of your loss.  As a cancer patient myself I personally feel that you handled the situation very well and that your mother understood the depth of your love for her.  I'm happiest when my family is doing normal things and not concentrating on cancer.  Big hugs to you.
308809
Each person is different based on a number of factors including the relationship you had with that parent, the age of your parent at death as well as your current age, how your parent died and your personal feelings about death. I don't think there is a correct amount of time or an appropriate behavior as each situation merits it's own judgement.
420261
I have been a nurse for 20 years and I have learned that when our loved ones get to the point in there fragile days when we can no longer give them the kind of care they need and deserve, that we are not abandoning them or throwing them away, we are showing them that we do indeed Love them.\nMost nursing homes I have had the honor to work in allow family members to visit no matter what time of the day or night the family chooses to come. Most of the time the residents with advanced Alzheimer's don't remember that u were there but the staff will. And trust me when I say this that when we lose that Loved one that we visited, and loved there will be no regrets and your conscious will be at peace.
59167
make sure she is as comfortable as possible. i know its hard but you have to. be her support system. if she needs to cry be her shoulder if she needs to yell just listen and dont yell back. most of the time they are not angry with you.make sure she gets the treatments she needs and the meds she needs. if you miss an appointment reschedule as soon as possible. some people with cancer handle the problem differently she may laugh it off but remember thats her way of dealing with it. dont get angry and say things you dont mean. you are a good person for staying by her side. make the time you have with her as good as possible. play cards read books schedule movie nights. i will pray for you and your mother. i am so sorry this is happening to your family.
224939
My favorite cousin was just diagnosed with inoperable kidney cancer, so I know how you feel.  The first thing you can do is educate yourself on the disease.  \n\nYou can read more about the disease at the following link: http://www.medicinenet.com/stomach_cancer/article.htm\nhttp://www.cancercompass.com/stomach-cancer-information/living-with-stomach-cancer.htm\nhttp://oncolink.upenn.edu/types/article.cfm?c=5&s=14&ss=105&id=9463\n\nRight now, I am sure your cousin is in shock as well.  I mean, we know how we feel, but we have no idea how THEY feel.  When Andrew has had time to process this new finding, I highly recommend a support group.  Call your local chapter of the American Cancer Society.  http://www.oncochat.org/ offers an on line support group in a chat like setting.  They also welcome family members of cancer patients, so you might want to check it out as well.\nhttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/support/organizations offers all kinds of cancer support resources.  I will think of your cousin, Andrew, whenever I think of my cousin, Hal.  God bless....
836527
I'm sorry but as my teachers always said, "It depends".  Hospice was with my Granny for about 3  or 4 months and she had the same diagnoses.  But yes, hospice comes in when there are really no other options.  I know it's hard, but just stick in there.  Try to make her time here palliable.  God bless.
848246
Listen with an open mind and give him a lot of support while he's going through the chemo. Everyone finds their own source of strength when dealing with a major medical crisis. I would say to just be there for him and try to be as understanding as possible. If you have a conversation where you feel like you can put in your opinion, do it. He won't want you to act differently or treat him differently than you usually do. I've been through cancer with my Mom, Dad, brother and sister and everyone deals with it in a different way. The best advise I can give is to be there and continue to treat your friend as normally as possible. He needs all of his friends to be there for him right now.