When Jana and I were diagnosed with cancer, several correspondents wrote that they do not know what to say. I understand. Typically, responses to the news consisted of one or more of the following components: an expression of sadness at the news, an offer to help, hope for the best possible outcome, and the offer of prayers or keeping us in their thoughts. I think those who wrote that they do not know what to say feel that those expressions are not enough, but they are. They provide the essential core of what one needs to hear. They say that the recipient is valued and there is hope for recovery.
Yesterday evening my cousin Larry posted this item on Facebook:
My sister Becky went into surgery today. They were going to take care of a couple things, but found that the cancer had come back and spread considerably so they just closed her back up. The doctors' prognosis is bleak, but Becky is amazing and kept us all strong. Please pray.
The message is ineffably sad, and now I don’t know what to say. With Jana and me there is still hope for successful treatments, especially in Jana’s case; however, hope for Becky’s recovery is bleak. Larry and Becky are children of my uncle Ray and aunt Martha who were very dear to me. Larry and Becky lost their sister, Cindy, this spring and Larry and his wife Linda lost their son, Wesley, a few weeks ago. This family has experienced a perfect storm of suffering and loss this year, and now Becky’s outlook is bleak. All I can say to Larry and Becky and their families and to Cindy’s family is to know that we are deeply saddened by the news, that we are ready to help in any way that we can, and that you are loved and in our thoughts. It doesn’t seem like enough.
