How do I comfort her?

[Wildcatblue7]

So I don't want to go into specifics right now because I don't know anything for sure, but my mom has some potential very serious health concerns right now.  We don't have the official diagnoses yet, but she has all the symptoms of a cancer with a very low survival rate.  I'm scared, yes, and she's terrified.  My dad is out of town right now on a business trip, and she's called me twice today already.  Other than pray I don't know what to do for her.  She tends to freak out whenever something scary healthwise happens, which is totally understandable, but this is the first time I've been physically away from her when she's gotten news like this.  What is there to say?  I keep telling her that she could be wrong, she could be reading into what the technicians really meant when they looked somber and didn't say anything, she could be worrying herself needlessly . . .  but honestly I think she's right this time. 

Okay, so really, if you all could pray for her right now, that would be great.  I think that's all there is to do until she can actually get in touch with the doctor on Monday.  Thanks.

[enemy anemone]

you all will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Vlad!]

Man, I'm sure tomorrow will be really tough for her (and you), having to wait like that. I hope she is part of a good church or has a good group of friends who can help her. I will definitely be praying for your family.

[dgp11776]

Wow, that's hard to even read.  Please be sure to let us know what the doctor says today, ok?

[murlough23]

I really suck when it comes to comforting words, so  can't give you much help there, because I've never had to attempt it in such a dire situation. I know that when I'm in a situation that feels dire, I can often lash out at people who are genuinely trying to offer encouraging words but seem to be doing it by rote, because honestly sending nice thoughts my way doesn't really amount to much, and while I do believe that prayer matters, saying "we'll pray for you" sounds like such a cliche that I do sometimes wonder who actually means it. (I'm sure that you mean it. But that's not the point.)

All of this is to say, don't be surprised if you try to say encouraging things and your mother counters them with 1,001 reasons why they couldn't be true. It's understandable for a person to do that, given the circumstances. It isn't really your job to convince her of things that you yourself are not sure of, and speculating on the possible outcomes when neither of you have the extensive medical training necessary to make such a diagnosis will probably only serve to lower the morale level. Being there to listen to her (even if she's assuming the worst and not really making much sense) may be more important than anything that you would have to say. I know that's not really helpful advice, but hopefully it assures you at least a little bit that you're already doing something helpful.

[Wildcatblue7]

thanks to all for your prayers--the tests came up clean this time.  she has to go back in three months or so, but for now, she's okay.  thanks--it meant a lot.