What is the right thing to say?

[missnurse1]

I don't think there is going to be a certain right thing to say but I figured I would see what advice is out there. A young patient of mine that has had a history of cancer of the esophagus and mets to the lung was recently given a ray of hope. No new cancer cells found! This was the ray of hope the family was looking for! First smiles I had seen in a while. The next day the patient was not feeling well and suddenly coded. We attempted CPR for what seemed to be an eternity and pushed everything possible to try to save him, Persistant PEA and eventually asystole... The family was so incredibly devastated. The patients wife said to me, but they just told us yesterday that there were no new cancer cells. How could this be? I reassured her that we did everything we possibly could to save him. I sat with her and listened but I couldn't find the words to comfort her. What do you say to a woman that has just lost her husband at the age of 42? I could see in her eyes that she needed answers and I just could not give them to her. Perhaps my silent listening was the right thing to say. Anyone been through something similar with words of wisdom? Greatful for any input!

[RNKel, ASN, RN]

I buried my daughter 2 years ago yesterday. She was 20. You did the compassionate thing by listening and being there for them.

[missnurse1]

Mommy2ThreeSons, I am so sorry for your loss. That must have been very difficult, my prayers are with you today. ThankYou for the post.